C-terminal modified oxamyl dipeptides as inhibitors of the ICE/ced-3 family of cysteine proteases

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to novel oxamyl dipeptide ICE/ced-3 family inhibitor compounds. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, as well as to the use of such compositions in the treatment of patients suffering inflammatory, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, for the prevention of ischemic injury, and for the preservation of organs that are to undergo a transplantation procedure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PCT Application No.PCT/US99/15074 filed Jul. 1, 1999, and is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/177,549 filed Oct. 22, 1998 and now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 6,197,750, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/091,689, filed Jul. 2, 1998.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds which areinhibitors of interleukin-1β converting enzyme and related proteases(“ICE/ced-3 family of cysteine proteases”), as well as pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using suchpharmaceutical compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interleukin 1 (“IL-1”) is a major pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatoryprotein that stimulates fibroblast differentiation and proliferation,the production of prostaglandins, collagenase and phospholipase bysynovial cells and chondrocytes, basophil and eosinophil degranulationand neutrophil activation. Oppenheim, J. H. et al., Immunology Today,7:45-56 (1986). As such, it is involved in the pathogenesis of chronicand acute inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. IL-1 is predominantlyproduced by peripheral blood monocytes as part of the inflammatoryresponse. Mosely, B. S. et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 84:4572-4576(1987); Lonnemann, G. et al., Eur. J. Immunol., 19:1531-1536 (1989).

IL-1β is synthesized as a biologically inactive precursor, proIL-1β.ProIL-1β is cleaved by a cysteine protease called interleukin-1βconverting enzyme (“ICE”) between Asp-116 and Ala-117 to produce thebiologically active C-terminal fragment found in human serum andsynovial fluid. Sleath, P. R. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:14526-14528(1992); A. D. Howard et al., J. Immunol., 147:2964-2969 (1991).

ICE is a cysteine protease localized primarily in monocytes. In additionto promoting the pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties ofIL-1β, ICE, and particularly its homologues, also appear to be involvedin the regulation of cell death or apoptosis. Yuan, J. et al., Cell,75:641-652 (1993); Miura, M. et al., Cell, 75:653-660 (1993);Nett-Giordalisi, M. A. et al., J. Cell Biochem., 17B: 117 (1993). Inparticular, ICE or ICE/ced-3 homologues are thought to be associatedwith the regulation of apoptosis in neurogenerative diseases, such asAlzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Marx, J. and M. Baringa, Science259:760-762 (1993); Gagliardini, V. et al., Science, 263:826-828 (1994).

Thus, disease states in which inhibitors of the ICE/ced-3 family ofcysteine proteases may be useful as therapeutic agents include:infectious diseases, such as meningitis and salpingitis; septic shock,respiratory diseases; inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis,cholangitis, colitis, encephalitis, endocerolitis, hepatitis,pancreatitis and reperfusion injury, ischemic diseases such as themyocardial infarction, stroke and ischemic kidney disease: immune-baseddiseases, such as hypersensitivity; auto-immune diseases, such asmultiple sclerosis; bone diseases; and certain neurodegenerativediseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Such inhibitorsare also useful for the repopulation of hematopoietic cells followingchemo- and radiation therapy and for prolonging organ viability for usein transplantation.

ICE/ced-3 inhibitors represent a class of compounds useful for thecontrol of the above-listed disease states. Peptide and peptidylinhibitors of ICE have been described. However, such inhibitors havebeen typically characterized by undesirable pharmacologic properties,such as poor oral absorption, poor stability and rapid metabolism.Plattner, J. J. and D. W. Norbeck, in Drug Discovery Technologies, C. R.Clark and W. H. Moos, Eds. (Ellis Horwood, Chichester, England, 1990),pp. 92-126. These undesirable properties have hampered their developmentinto effective drugs.

Accordingly, the need exists for compounds that can effectively inhibitthe action of the ICE/ced-3 family of proteases, for use as agents forpreventing unwanted apoptosis, and for treating chronic and acute formsof IL-1 mediated diseases such as inflammatory, autoimmune orneurodegenerative diseases. The present invention satisfies this needand provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the compounds of this invention incorporate a(N-substituted)oxamyl group as a dipeptide mimetic. The resultingcompounds exhibit improved properties relative to their peptidiccounterparts, for example, such as improved cell penetration or improvedabsorption and metabolic stability resulting in enhancedbioavailability. This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/091,689, filed Jul. 2, 1998, and U.S. ApplicationSer. No. 09/177,549, filed Oct. 22, 1998 (both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety).

One aspect of the instant invention is the compounds of the Formula I:

wherein A, B R¹ and R² are as defined below, as well as pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

A further aspect of the instant invention is a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of the above Formula I and apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier therefor.

Another aspect of this invention involves a method for treating anautoimmune disease comprising administering an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition discussed above to a patient in need of suchtreatment.

Yet another aspect of the instant invention is a method for treating aninflammatory disease comprising administering an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition discussed above to a patient in need of suchtreatment.

A further aspect of the instant invention is a method for treating aneurodegenerative disease comprising administering an effective amountof a pharmaceutical composition discussed above to a patient in need ofsuch treatment.

Another aspect of the instant invention is a method of preventingischemic injury to a patient suffering from a disease associated withischemic injury comprising administering an effective amount of thepharmaceutical composition discussed above to a patient in need of suchtreatment.

A further aspect of the instant invention is a method for expanding ofhematopoietic cell populations and/or enhancing their survival bycontacting the cells with an effective amount of the pharmaceuticalcomposition discussed above. Cell populations included in the method ofthe invention include (but are not limited to) granulocytes, monocytes,erthrocytes, lymphocytes and platelets for use in cell transfusions.

An alternate aspect of the instant invention is a method of prolongingthe viability of an organ that has been removed from the donor for thepurpose of a future transplantation procedure, which comprises applyingan effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition discussed above tothe organ, thereby prolonging the viability of the organ as compared toan untreated organ. The organ may be an intact organ, or isolated cellsderived from an organ (e.g., isolated pancreatic islet cells, isolateddopaminergic neurons, blood or hematopoietic cells).

These and other aspects of this invention will be evident upon referenceto the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned above, one aspect of the instant invention is the compoundsof the Formula I:

wherein:

A is a natural or unnatural amino acid of Formula IIa-i:

B is a hydrogen atom, a deuterium atom, alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl,substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, 2-benzoxazolyl,substituted 2-oxazolyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl),(CH₂)_(n)(substituted 1 or 2-naphthyl), (CH₂)_(n)(heteroaryl),(CH₂)_(n)(substituted heteroaryl), halomethyl, CO₂R¹², CONR¹³R¹⁴,CH₂ZR¹⁵, CH₂OCO(aryl), CH₂OCO(heteroaryl), or CH₂OPO(R¹⁶)R¹⁷, where Z isan oxygen or a sulfur atom, or B is a group of the Formula IIIa-c:

R¹ is alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, (1or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, substituted (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, heteroaryl,substituted heteroaryl, (heteroaryl)alkyl, substituted(heteroaryl)alkyl, R^(1a)(R^(1b))N, or R^(1c)O; and

R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, phenyl,substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, naphthyl,substituted naphthyl, (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, or substituted 1 or 2naphthyl)alkyl;

and wherein:

R^(1a) and R^(1b) are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl,(cycloalkyl)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, substitutedphenylalkyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl,substituted (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl,(heteroaryl)alkyl, or substituted (heteroaryl)alkyl, with the provisothat R^(1a) and R^(1b) cannot both be hydrogen;

R^(1c) is alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, phenyl, substitutedphenyl, phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, naphthyl, substitutednaphthyl, (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, substituted (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl,heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, (heteroaryl)alkyl, or substituted(heteroaryl)alkyl;

R³ is C₁₋₆ lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, (CH₂)_(n)NHCOR⁹, (CH₂)_(n)N(C═NH)NH₂, (CH₂)_(m)CO₂R²,(CH₂)_(m)OR¹⁰, (CH₂)_(m)SR¹¹, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl) or(CH₂)_(n)(heteroaryl), wherein heteroaryl includes pyridyl, thienyl,furyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl,pyrimidyl, triazinyl, tetrazolyl, and indolyl;

R^(3a) is hydrogen or methyl, or R³ and R^(3a) taken together are—(CH₂)_(d)— where d is an interger from 2 to 6;

R⁴ is phenyl, substituted phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)(substitutedphenyl), cycloalkyl, or benzofused cycloalkyl;

R⁵ is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or(CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R⁶ is hydrogen, fluorine, oxo, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl,substituted phenyl, naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl), OR¹⁰, SR¹¹ orNHCOR⁹;

R⁷ is hydrogen, oxo (i.e., ═O), lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl,substituted phenyl, naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R⁸ is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl), or COR⁹;

R⁹ is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substitutedphenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl), OR¹², or NR¹³R¹⁴;

R¹⁰ is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substitutedphenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R¹¹ is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl,(CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or(CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R¹² is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R¹³ is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R¹⁴ is hydrogen or lower alkyl;

or R¹³ and R¹⁴ taken together form a five to seven membered carbocyclicor heterocyclic ring, such as morpholine, or N-substituted piperazine;

R¹⁵ is phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl,heteroaryl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1or 2-naphthyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(heteroaryl);

R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are independently lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl,substituted phenyl, naphthyl, phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, or(cycloalkyl)alkyl;

R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, substitutedphenyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or R¹⁸ and R¹⁹taken together are —(CH═CH)₂—;

R²⁰ is hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl);

R²¹, R²² and R²³ are independently hydrogen, or alkyl;

X is CH₂, (CH₂)₂, (CH₂)₃, or S;

Y¹ is O or NR²³;

Y² is CH₂, O or NR²³;

a is 0 or 1 and b is 1 or 2, provided that when a is 1 then b is 1;

c is 1 or 2, provided that when c is 1 then a is 0 and b is 1;

m is 1 or 2; and

n is 1, 2, 3 or 4;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” means a straight or branched C₁ to C₁₀carbon chain, such as methyl, ethyl, tert-butyl, iso-propyl, n-octyl,and the like. The term “lower alkyl” means a straight chain or branchedC₁ to C₆ carbon chain, such as methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkyl” means a mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring that iseither fully saturated or partially unsaturated. Examples of such a ringinclude cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl,adamantyl, cyclooctyl, cis- or trans decalin, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene,cyclohex-1-enyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, 1,4-cyclooctadienyl, and the like.

The term “(cycloalkyl)alkyl” means the above-defined alkyl groupsubstituted with one of the above cycloalkyl rings. Examples of such agroup include (cyclohexyl)methyl, 3-(cyclopropyl)-n-propyl,5-(cyclopentyl)hexyl, 6-(adamantyl)hexyl, and the like.

The term “substituted phenyl” specifies a phenyl group substituted withone or more substituents chosen from halogen, hydroxy, protectedhydroxy, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, alkyl, alkoxy, acyl, acyloxy,carboxy, protected carboxy, carboxymethyl, protected carboxymethyl,hydroxymethyl, protected hydroxymethyl, amino, protected amino,(monosubstituted)amino, protected (monosubstituted)amino,(disubstituted)amino, carboxamide, protected carboxamide, N-(loweralkyl)carboxamide, protected N-(lower alkyl)carboxamide, N,N-di(loweralkyl)carboxamide, N-((lower alkyl)sulfonyl)amino,N-(phenylsulfonyl)amino or by a substituted or unsubstituted phenylgroup, such that in the latter case a biphenyl or naphthyl groupresults, or wherein two adjacent alkyl substituents on the substitutedphenyl ring taken together form a cycloalkyl to yield, for example,tetrahydronaphthyl or indanyl.

Examples of the term “substituted phenyl” includes a mono-, di-, tri-,tetra- or penta(halo)phenyl group such as 2-, 3- or 4-chlorophenyl,2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2-,3- or4-bromophenyl, 3,4-dibromophenyl, 3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl, 2-, 3- or4-fluorophenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl,2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl, and the like; amono or di(hydroxy)phenyl group such as 2-, 3-, or 4-hydroxyphenyl,2,4-dihydroxyphenyl, the protected-hydroxy derivatives thereof and thelike; a nitrophenyl group such as 2-, 3-, or 4-nitrophenyl; acyanophenyl group, for example, 2-,3- or 4-cyanophenyl; a mono- ordi(alkyl)phenyl group such as 2-, 3-, or 4-methylphenyl,2,4-dimethylphenyl, 2-, 3- or 4-(iso-propyl)phenyl, 2-, 3-, or4-ethylphenyl, 2-, 3- or 4-(n-propyl)phenyl and the like; a mono ordi(alkoxy)phenyl group, for example, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, 2-, 3- or4-(iso-propoxy)phenyl, 2-, 3- or 4-(t-butoxy)phenyl,3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl and the like; 2-, 3- or4-trifluoromethylphenyl; a mono- or dicarboxyphenyl or (protectedcarboxy)phenyl group such as 2-, 3- or 4-carboxyphenyl or2,4-di(protected carboxy)phenyl; a mono- or di(hydroxymethyl)phenyl or(protected hydroxymethyl)phenyl such as 2-, 3- or 4-(protectedhydroxymethyl)phenyl or 3,4-di(hydroxymethyl)phenyl; a mono- ordi(aminomethyl)phenyl or (protected aminomethyl)phenyl such as 2-, 3- or4-(aminomethyl)phenyl or 2,4-(protected aminomethyl)phenyl; or a mono-or di(N-(methylsulfonylamino))phenyl such as 2, 3 or4-(N-(methylsulfonylamino))phenyl. Also, the term “substituted phenyl”represents disubstituted phenyl groups wherein the substituents aredifferent, for example, 3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl,3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-bromophenyl,4-ethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl, 3-hydroxy-4-nitrophenyl,2-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl, and the like.

The term “phenylalkyl” means one of the above phenyl groups attached toone of the above-described alkyl groups, and the term “substitutedphenylalkyl” means that either the phenyl or the alkyl, or both, aresubstituted with one or more of the above-defined substituents. Examplesof such groups include 2-phenyl-1-chloroethyl,2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)ethyl, 4-(2′,6′-dihydroxy phenyl)n-hexyl,2-(5′-cyano-3′-methoxyphenyl)n-pentyl, 3-(2′,6′-dimethylphenyl)n-propyl,4-chloro-3-aminobenzyl, 6-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-3-carboxy(n-hexyl),5-(4′-aminomethylphenyl)-3-(aminomethyl)n-pentyl,5-phenyl-3-oxo-n-pent-1-yl, (4-hydroxynapth-2-yl)methyl, and the like.

The term “substituted naphthyl” means a naphthyl group sustituted withone or more of the above-identified subtituents, and the term “(1 or 2naphthyl)alkyl” means a naphthyl (1 or 2) attached to one of theabove-described alkyl groups.

The terms “halo” and “halogen” refer to the fluoro, chloro, bromo oriodo groups. These terms may also be used to describe one or morehalogens, which are the same or different. Preferred halogens in thecontext of this invention are chloro and fluoro.

The term “aryl” refers to aromatic five and six membered carbocyclicrings. Six membered rings are preferred.

The term “heteroaryl” denotes optionally substituted aromaticfive-membered or six-membered heterocyclic rings that have 1 to 4heteroatoms, such as oxygen, sulfur and/or nitrogen atoms, in particularnitrogen, either alone or in conjunction with sulfur or oxygen ringatoms.

The following ring systems are representative examples of theheterocyclic radicals denoted by the term “heteroaryl” (whethersubstituted or unsubstituted): thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl,imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl,tetrazolyl, thiatriazolyl, oxatriazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl,pyridazinyl, oxazinyl, triazinyl, thiadiazinyl tetrazolo,1,5-[b]pyridazinyl and purinyl, as well as benzo-fused derivatives, forexample, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl and indolyl.

Substituents for the above optionally substituted heteroaryl rings arefrom one to three halo, trihalomethyl, amino, protected amino, aminosalts, mono-substituted amino, di-substituted amino, carboxy, protectedcarboxy, carboxylate salts, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, salts of ahydroxy group, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkyl, substitutedlower alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl,substituted (cycloalkyl)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl,and substituted phenylalkyl groups.

Substituents for the heteroaryl group are as defined above, or as setforth below. As used in conjunction with the above substituents forheteroaryl rings, “trihalomethyl” can be trifluoromethyl,trichloromethyl, tribromomethyl or triiodomethyl, “lower alkoxy” means aC₁ to C₄ alkoxy group, similarly, “lower alkylthio” means a C₁ to C₄alkylthio group. The term “substituted lower alkyl” means theabove-defined lower alkyl group substituted from one to three times by ahydroxy, protected hydroxy, amino, protected amino, cyano, halo,trifluoromethyl, mono-substituted amino, di-substituted amino, loweralkoxy, lower alkylthio, carboxy, protected carboxy, or a carboxy,amino, and/or hydroxy salt.

As used in conjunction with the substituents for the heteroaryl rings,the terms “substituted (cycloalkyl)alkyl” and “substituted cycloalkyl”are as defined above substituted with the same groups as listed for a“substituted alkyl” group. The term “(monosubstituted)amino” refers toan amino group with one substituent chosen from the group consisting ofphenyl, substituted phenyl, alkyl, substituted alkyl, C₁ to C₇ acyl, C₂to C₇ alkenyl, C₂ to C₇ substituted alkenyl, C₂ to C₇ alkynyl, C₇ to C₁₆alkylaryl, C₇ to C₁₆ substituted alkylaryl and heteroaryl group. The(monosubstituted)amino can additionally have an amino-protecting groupas encompassed by the term “protected (monosubstituted)amino.” The term“(disubstituted)amino” refers to amino groups with two substituentschosen from the group consisting of phenyl, substituted phenyl, alkyl,substituted alkyl, C₁ to C₇ acyl, C₂ to C₇ alkenyl, C₂ to C₇ alkynyl, C₇to C₁₆ alkylaryl, C₇ to C₁₆ substituted alkylaryl and heteroaryl. Thetwo substituents can be the same or different. The term“heteroaryl(alkyl)” denotes an alkyl group as defined above, substitutedat any position by a heteroaryl group, as above defined.

Furthermore, the above optionally substituted five-membered orsix-membered heterocyclic rings, and the above cycloalky rings, canoptionally be fused to a aromatic 5-membered or 6-membered aryl orheteroaryl ring system. For example, the rings can be optionally fusedto an aromatic 5-membered or 6-membered ring system such as a pyridineor a triazole system, and preferably to a benzene ring.

The term “pharmaceutically-acceptable salt” encompasses those salts thatform with the carboxylate anions and includes salts formed with theorganic and inorganic cations such as those chosen from the alkali andalkaline earth metals, (for example, lithium, sodium, potassium,magnesium, barium and calcium); and ammonium ion; and the organiccations (for example, dibenzylammonium, benzylammonium,2-hydroxyethylammonium, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium,phenylethylbenzyl-ammonium, dibenzylethylenediammonium, and likecations.) Other cations encompassed by the above term include theprotonated form of procaine, quinine and N-methylglucosamine, theprotonated forms of basic amino acids such as glycine, ornithine,histidine, phenylglycine, lysine, and arginine. Furthermore, anyzwitterionic form of the instant compounds formed by a carboxylic acidand an amino group is referred to by this term. A preferred cation forthe carboxylate anion is the sodium cation. Furthermore, the termincludes salts that form by standard acid-base reactions with basicgroups (such as amino groups) and includes organic or inorganic acids.Such acids include hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, succinic,citric, lactic, maleic, fumaric, palmitic, cholic, pamoic, mucic,D-glutamic, D-camphoric, glutaric, phthalic, tartaric, lauric, stearic,salicyclic, methanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, sorbic, picric, benzoic,cinnamic, and the like acids.

The compounds of Formula I may also exist as solvates and hydrates.Thus, these compounds may crystallize with, for example, waters ofhydration, or one, a number of, or any fraction thereof of molecules ofthe mother liquor solvent. The solvates and hydrates of such compoundsare included within the scope of this invention.

The term “carboxy-protecting group” as used herein refers to one of theester derivatives of the carboxylic acid group commonly employed toblock or protect the carboxylic acid group while reactions are carriedout on other functional groups on the compound. Examples of suchcarboxylic acid protecting groups include t-butyl, 4-nitrobenzyl,4-methoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl,2,4,6-trimethoxybenzyl, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl, pentamethylbenzyl,3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl, benzhydryl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl,4,4′,4″-trimethoxytrityl, 2-phenylpropyl, trimethylsilyl,t-butyldimethylsilyl, phenacyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl,β-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, β-(di(n-butyl)methylsilyl)ethyl,p-toluenesulfonylethyl, 4-nitrobenzylsulfonylethyl, allyl, cinnamyl,1-(trimethylsilylmethyl)propenyl and like moieties. The species ofcarboxy-protecting group employed is not critical so long as thederivatized carboxylic acid is stable to the conditions of subsequentreaction(s) and can be removed at the appropriate point withoutdisrupting the remainder of the molecule. Further examples of thesegroups are found in C. B. Reese and E. Haslani, “Protective Groups inOrganic Chemistry,” J. G. W. McOmie, Ed., Plenum Press, New York, N.Y.,1973, Chapter 5, respectively, and T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts,“Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis,” 2nd ed., John Wiley and Sons,New York, N.Y., 1991, Chapter 5, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. A related term is “protected carboxy,” which refers to acarboxy group substituted with one of the above carboxy-protectinggroups.

The term “hydroxy-protecting group” refers to readily cleavable groupsbonded to hydroxyl groups, such as the tetrahydropyranyl,2-methoxyprop-2-yl, 1-ethoxyeth-1-yl, methoxymethyl,β-methoxyethoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, t-butyl, t-amyl, trityl,4-methoxytrityl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, 4,4′,4″-trimethoxytrityl, benzyl,allyl, trimethylsilyl, (t-butyl)dimethylsilyl,2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, and the like.

Further examples of hydroxy-protecting groups are described by C. B.Reese and E. Haslam, “Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry,” J. G. W.McOmie, Ed., Plenum Press, New York, N.Y., 1973, Chapters 3 and 4,respectively, and T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, “Protective Groups inOrganic Synthesis,” Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.,1991, Chapters 2 and 3. A preferred hydroxy-protecting group is thetert-butyl group. The related term “protected hydroxy” denotes a hydroxygroup bonded to one of the above hydroxy-protecting groups.

The term “amino-protecting group” as used herein refers to substituentsof the amino group commonly employed to block or protect the aminofunctionality while reacting other functional groups of the molecule.The term “protected (monosubstituted)amino” means there is anamino-protecting group on the monosubstituted amino nitrogen atom.

Examples of such amino-protecting groups include the formyl (“For”)group, the trityl group, the phthalimido group, the trichloroacetylgroup, the trifluoroacetyl group, the chloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, andiodoacetyl groups, urethane-type protecting groups, such ast-butoxycarbonyl (“Boc”), 2-(4-biphenylyl)propyl-2-oxycarbonyl (“Bpoc”),2-phenylpropyl-2-oxycarbonyl (“Poc”), 2-(4-xenyl)isopropoxycarbonyl,1,1-diphenylethyl-1-oxycarbonyl, 1,1-diphenylpropyl-1-oxycarbonyl,2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl-2-oxycarbonyl (“Ddz”),2-(p-toluyl)propyl-2-oxycarbonyl, cyclopentanyloxycarbonyl,1-methylcyclopentanyloxycarbonyl, cyclohexanyloxycarbonyl,1-methyl-cyclohexanyloxycarbonyl, 2-methylcyclohexanyl-oxycarbonyl,2-(4-toluylsulfonyl)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(methylsulfonyl)ethoxycarbonyl,2-(triphenylphosphino)-ethoxycarbonyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl(“Fmoc”), 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl,1-(trimethylsilylmethyl)prop-1-enyloxycarbonyl,5-benzisoxalylmethoxycarbonyl, 4-acetoxybenzyl-oxycarbonyl,2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, 2-ethynyl-2-propoxycarbonyl,cyclopropylmethoxycarbonyl, isobornyloxycarbonyl,1-piperidyloxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl (“Cbz”),4-phenylbenzyloxycarbonyl, 2-methylbenzyloxycarbonyl,α-2,4,5,-tetramethylbenzyl-oxycarbonyl (“Tmz”),4-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 4-fluorobenzyloxycarbonyl,4-chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl, 3-chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl,2-chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl, 2,4-dichlorobenzyloxycarbonyl,4-bromobenzyloxycarbonyl, 3-bromobenzyloxycarbonyl,4-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, 4-cyanobenzyloxycarbonyl,4-(decyloxy)benzyloxycarbonyl and the like; the benzoylmethylsulfonylgroup, the 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-sulfonyl group (“PMC”), thedithiasuccinoyl (“Dts”) group, the 2-(nitro)phenyl-sulfenyl group(“Nps”), the diphenylphosphine oxide group, and like amino-protectinggroups. The species of amino-protecting group employed is not criticalso long as the derivatized amino group is stable to the conditions ofthe subsequent reaction(s) and can be removed at the appropriate pointwithout disrupting the remainder of the molecule. Preferredamino-protecting groups are Boc, Cbz and Fmoc. Further examples ofamino-protecting groups embraced by the above term are well known inorganic synthesis and the peptide art and are described by, for example,T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, “Protective Groups in OrganicSynthesis,” 2nd ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y., 1991, Chapter7, M. Bodanzsky, “Principles of Peptide Synthesis,” 1st and 2nd revisedEd., Springer-Verlag, New York, N.Y., 1984 and 1993, and J. M. Stewartand J. D. Young, “Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis,” 2nd Ed., PierceChemical Co., Rockford, Ill., 1984, E. Atherton and R. C. Shephard,“Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis—A Practical Approach” IRL Press, Oxford,England (1989), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Therelated term “protected amino” defines an amino group substituted withan amino-protecting group discussed above.

The terms “natural and unnatural amino acid” refers to both thenaturally occurring amino acids and other non-proteinogenic α-aminoacids commonly utilized by those in the peptide chemistry arts whenpreparing synthetic analogues of naturally occurring peptides, includingD and L forms. The naturally occurring amino acids are glycine, alanine,valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, methionine, threonine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, cysteine, proline, histidine,aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, γ-carboxyglutamicacid, arginine, omithine and lysine. Examples of unnatural alpha-aminoacids include hydroxylysine, citrulline, kynurenine,(4-aminophenyl)alanine, 3-(2′-naphthyl)alanine, 3-(1′-naphthyl)alanine,methionine sulfone, (t-butyl)alanine, (t-butyl)glycine,4-hydroxyphenyl-glycine, aminoalanine, phenylglycine, vinylalanine,propargyl-gylcine, 1,2,4-triazolo-3-alanine, thyronine,6-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 3-hydroxykynurenine,3-aminotyrosine, trifluoromethylalanine, 2-thienylalanine,(2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl)cysteine, 3,4-dimethoxy-phenylalanine,3-(2′-thiazolyl)alanine, ibotenic acid,1-amino-1-cyclopentane-carboxylic acid, 1-amino-1-cyclohexanecarboxylicacid, quisqualic acid, 3-(trifluoromethylphenyl)alanine,(cyclohexyl)glycine, thiohistidine, 3-methoxytyrosine, norleucine,norvaline, alloisoleucine, homoarginine, thioproline, dehydroproline,hydroxyproline, homoproline, indoline-2-carboxylic acid,1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-2-carboxylic acid, α-amino-n-butyric acid,cyclohexylalanine, 2-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid, phenylalaninesubstituted at the ortho, meta, or para position of the phenyl moietywith one or two of the following groups: a (C₁ to C₄)alkyl, a (C₁ toC₄)alkoxy, a halogen or a nitro group, or substituted once with amethylenedioxy group; β-2- and 3-thienylalanine; β-2- and3-furanylalanine; β-2-, 3- and 4-pyridylalanine; β-(benzothienyl-2- and3-yl)alanine; β-(1- and 2-naphthyl)alanine; O-alkylated derivatives ofserine, threonine or tyrosine; S-alkylated cysteine, S-alkylatedhomocysteine, the O-sulfate, O-phosphate and O-carboxylate esters oftyrosine; 3-(sulfo)tyrosine, 3-(carboxy)tyrosine, 3-(phospho)tyrosine,the 4-methane-sulfonic acid ester of tyrosine, 4-methanephosphonic acidester of tyrosine, 3,5-diiodotyrosine, 3-nitrotyrosine, ε-alkyllysine,and delta-alkyl ornithine. Any of these (X-amino acids may besubstituted with a methyl group at the alpha position, a halogen at anyposition of the aromatic residue on the α-amino side chain, or anappropriate protective group at the O, N, or S atoms of the side chainresidues. Appropriate protective groups are discussed above.

Depending on the choice of solvent and other conditions known to thepractitioner skilled in the art, compounds of this invention may alsotake the ketal or acetal form, which forms are included in the instantinvention. In particular, compounds of Formula I in which R² is ahydrogen atom (i.e., Formula Ia) may exist in the cyclic ketal or acetalform Formula Ia′ shown below:

In addition, it should be understood that the equilibrium forms of thecompounds of this invention may include tautomeric forms. All such formsof these compounds are expressly included in the present invention.

The compounds of this invention may be modified by appropriatefunctionalities to enhance selective biological properties. Suchmodifications are known in the art and include those which increasebiological penetration into a given biological system (e.g., blood,lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral availability,increase solubility to allow administration by injection, altermetabolism and alter rate of exertion. In addition, the compounds may bealtered to pro-drug form such that the desired compound is created inthe body of the patient as the result of the action of metabolic orother biochemical processes on the pro-drug. Some examples of pro-drugforms include ketal, acetal, oxime, and hydrazone forms of compoundswhich contain ketone or aldehyde groups, especially where they occur inthe group donated as “A” in Formula I or the modified aspartic acidresidue attached to the group denoted as “A”.

Compounds of this invention with respect to the group “R¹” in Formula I,include those wherein:

R¹ is phenyl, substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl,naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, or(heteroaryl)alkyl.

More typically, the compounds of this invention with respect to thegroup “R¹” include those wherein:

R¹ is phenyl, substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl,naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, or (1 or 2 naphthyl)alkyl.

Compounds of this invention with respect to the group “A” in Formula I,include those of Formula IIa wherein:

R³ is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, (CH₂)₁NH₂,(CH₂)_(m)OR¹⁰, (CH₂)_(m)SR¹¹, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl,(CH₂)_(n)phenyl,(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R^(3a) is hydrogen;

R¹⁰ is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substitutedphenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl);

R¹¹ is lower alky, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl,(CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), or(CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl); and

n=1-4 and m=1 or 2.

Compounds of this invention with respect to the group “A” in Formula I,also include those of Formula IIb wherein:

R⁴ is phenyl, substituted phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)(substitutedphenyl), cycloalkyl, or 2-indanyl; and

m=1 or 2.

Another group of compounds with respect to the group “A” in Formula I,include those of Formula IId wherein:

R⁶ is hydrogen, fluorine, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substitutedphenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl), OR¹⁰, or SR¹¹;

R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,naphthyl, (CH₂)_(n)cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substitutedphenyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(1 or 2-naphthyl); and

n=1-4.

A fourth group of compounds with respect to the group “A” in Formula I,include those of Formula IIe wherein:

R⁷ is hydrogen, oxo, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, ornaphthyl; and

X═CH₂, (CH₂)₂, (CH₂)₃, or S.

Another group of compounds with respect to the group “A” in Formula I,include those of Formula IIh wherein:

a=0 and b=or 2.

Compounds of this invention with respect to the group “B” in Formula I,include those wherein:

B is hydrogen, 2-benzoxazolyl, substituted 2-oxazolyl, CH₂ZR¹⁵,CH₂OCO(aryl), or CH₂OPO(R¹⁶)R¹⁷, where Z is an oxygen or a sulfur atom;

R¹⁵ is phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl,heteroaryl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl), (CH₂)_(n)(1or 2-naphthyl), or (CH₂)_(n)(heteroaryl);

R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substitutedphenyl, naphthyl, phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, or(cycloalkyl)alkyl.

Another group of compounds with respect to the group “B” in Formula I,include those of Formula IIIa-c wherein:

Y¹ is O or NR²³;

Y² is CH₂, O, or NR²³;

R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, or phenyl, or R¹⁸ and R¹⁹taken together are —(CH═CH)₂—;

R²⁰ is hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, (CH₂)_(n)phenyl, or(CH₂)_(n)(substituted phenyl);

R²¹, R²² and R²³ are independently hydrogen or alkyl.

The compounds of Formula I may be synthesized using conventionaltechniques as discussed below. Advantageously, these compounds areconveniently synthesized from readily available starting materials.

One synthetic route for synthesizing the instant compounds is set forthin the following Scheme 1:

In the above Scheme 1, Formula (V), that is H₂N—C, is a modifiedaspartic acid residue of Formulas Va through Vd:

In the above Scheme 1, “PG” stands for an amino protecting group and “A”stands for a natural or unnatural amino acid of formula Ia through IIi,as discussed above. In Formula Vb through Vd, R^(2′) is a carboxylprotecting group as described in the definition of R² in Formula I withthe exception that R^(2′) cannot be a hydrogen atom.

The modified aspartic acids of Formula Va-d can be prepared by methodswell known in the art. See, for example, European Patent Application519,748; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/EP92/02472; PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US91/06595; PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US91/02339; European Patent Application No. 623,592; World PatentApplication No. WO93/09135; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US94/08868;European Patent Application No. 623,606; European Patent Application No.618,223; European Patent Application No. 533,226; European PatentApplication No. 528,487; European Patent Application No. 618,233; PCTPatent Application No. PCT/EP92/02472; World Patent Application No.WO93/09135; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US93/03589; and PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US93/00481, all of which are herein incorporated byreference.

The coupling reactions carried out under Step A are performed in thepresence of a standard peptide coupling agent such as the combination ofthe combination of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide(DCC) and1-hydroxy-benzotriazole(HOBt), as well as the BOP(benzotriazolyloxy-tris-(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate)reagent, pyBOP(benzotriazolyloxy-tris(N-pyrolidinyl)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate),HBTU (O-benzotriazolyly-tetramethylisouronium-hexafluorophosphate), andEEDQ (1-ethyloxycarbonyl-2-ethyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline) reagents, thecombination of 1-ethyl(3,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodimide (EDAC)and HOBt, and the like, as discussed in J. Jones, “Amino Acid andPeptide Synthesis,” Steven G. Davis ed., Oxford University Press,Oxford, pp. 25-41 (1992); M. Bodanzky, “Principles of PeptideSynthesis,” Haffer et al. ed., Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, pp.9-52 and pp. 202-251 (1984); M:. Bodanzky, “Peptide Chemistry, APractical Textbook,” Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 55-73 andpp. 129-180; and Stewart and Young, “Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis,”Pierce Chemical Company, (1984), all of which are herein incorporated byreference. The amino protecting group is then removed and the resultingamine is coupled to the (N-substituted) oxamic acid of Formula VII (StepB). Again, this coupling reaction uses the standard peptide couplingreactions mentioned above.

Alternatively, the (N-substituted)oxamic acid of Formula VII can becoupled to an amino ester of Formula IX (Step D). Again, this couplingreaction uses the standard peptide coupling reactions mentioned above.In Formula IX, the group R is a carboxil protecting group such asmethyl, allyl, benzyl or tert-butyl. After removal of the carboxylprotecting group under standard conditions well known in the art, theresulting carboxylic acid is coupled to amine V using the standardpeptide coupling methods described above (Step E).

In the case where the coupling reaction depicted by either Step A orStep E was carried out with the amino alcohol of Formula Vc, the alcoholmoiety must be oxidized to the corresponding carbonyl compound prior toremoval of the protecting groups. Preferred methods for the oxidationreaction include Swern oxidation (oxalyl chloride-dimethyl sulfoxide,methylene chloride at −78° C. followed by triethylamine); andDess-Martin oxidation (Dess-Martin periodinane, t-butanol, and methylenechloride.) The protecting groups contained in substructures of theFormula Va-d and A are removed by methods well known in the art. Thesereactions and removal of some or all of the protecting groups areinvolved in Step C in the above Scheme 1.

An alternative synthetic route for synthesizing the instant compounds isset forth in the following Scheme 2:

In the above Scheme 2, “PG” stands for an amino protecting group and “A”stands for a natural or unnatural amino acid of formula IIa through IIi,as discussed above. The group R is a carboxyl protecting group such astrimethylsilyl, methyl, allyl, benzyl or tert-butyl.

The coupling reactions carried out under Step F and Step G are performedin the presence of a standard peptide coupling agent as discussed above.In Step G, the amino protecting group must be removed prior to thecoupling step. In Step H the alpha-carboxy protecting group R of thecompound of Formula XIII is selectively removed and the resultingmono-carboxylic acid treated sequentially with diazomethane andhydrobromic acid to give the alpha-bromoketone of Formula XIV.

In Step I, the bromoketone of Formula XIV is treated with either R¹⁵Z-H,(aryl)-CO₂H, (heteroaryl)-CO₂H, or R¹⁶(R¹⁷)PO₂H in the presence of aninorganic base such as potassium carbonate or potassium fluoride in aninert solvent such as dimethyl formamide to give the correspondingcompound of Formula I in which B is CH₂ZR¹⁵, CH₂OCO(aryl),CH₂OCO(heteroaryl), or CH₂OPO(R¹⁶)R¹⁷, respectively. Compounds ofFormula I in which B is a fragment of Formula III may also be preparedin a similar fashion. The protecting groups contained in substructuresof the Formula XI and A are removed by methods well known in the art.These reactions and removal of some or all of the protecting groups areinvolved in Step I in the above Scheme 2.

An alternative method for the prepartion of compounds of the instantinvention of Formula I in which R² and B are both hydrogen (i.e.,Formula Ib) is set forth below in Scheme 3:

In Scheme 3, Fmoc is the amino protecting group9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl and the shaded circle labeled “PS” representspolystryene resin.

The coupling of the acid of Formula XV to a primary amine on solidsupport, preferably aminomethyl polystyrene, is carried out usingstandard peptide coupling agents, preferably usingbenzotriazolyloxy-triso-pyrolidinyl)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate(pyBOP) in a inert solvent such as dimethylformamide or N-methylpyrrolidone (Step J). After removal of the Fmoc protecting group of XVIby treatment with pyrrolidine-dimethylformamide, the resulting amine iscoupled to Fmoc-amino acid of Formula IVa using standard peptidecoupling conditions as discussed above (Step K).

In Step L the Fmoc protecting group of the compound of Formula XVII isremoved again by treatment with pyrrolidine-dimethylformamide and theresulting amine coupled to the (N-substituted)oxamic acid of Formula VIIagain using standard peptide coupling conditions as discussed above. Thetert-butyl ester of the compound of Formula XVIII is removed bytreatment with trfluoroacetic acid-methylene chloride in the presence ofa trapping agent such as anisole and the resulting acid cleaved from thesolid support by treatment with 37% aqueous formaldehyde/aceticacid/tetrahydrofuran/ trifluoroacetic acid, preferably in a ratio of1/1/5/0.025, to give the aspartyl aldehyde of Formula Ib (Step M).

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention comprise any of thecompounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof, with any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant orvehicle (hereinafter collectively referred to as“pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers”). Pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may be used in the pharmaceuticalcompositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, ionexchange, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such ashuman serum albumin; buffer substances such as the various phosphates,glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures ofsaturated vegetable fatty acids; water, salts or electrolytes, such asprotamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium chloride, and zinc salts; colloidal silica, magnesiumtrisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances,polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyarylates, waxes,polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol andwool fat, and the like.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administeredorally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally,buccally, vaginally or by an implanted reservoir. Oral and parenteraladministration are preferred. The term “parenteral” as used hereinincludes subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular,intra-articulaor, intrasynovial, intrastemal, intrathecal, intralesionaland intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterileinjectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous oroleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according totechniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents(such as, for example, Tween 80) and suspending agents. The sterileinjectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution orsuspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent,for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptablevehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer'ssolution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile,fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspendingmedium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed includingsynthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and itsglyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, asare natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil orcastor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oilsolutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluentor dispersant.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be orallyadministered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but notlimited to, capsules, tablets, and aqueous suspensions and solutions. Inthe case of tablets for oral use, carrier which are commonly usedinclude lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesiumstearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in capsuleform useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueoussuspensions are administered orally, the active ingredient is combinedwith emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweeteningand/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also beadministered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration.These compositions can be prepared by mixing a compound of thisinvention with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid atroom temperature but liquid at the rectal temperature. Such materialsinclude, but are not limited to, cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethyleneglycols.

Topical administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of thisinvention is especially useful when the desired treatment involves areasor organs readily accessible to topical application. For applicationtopically to the skin, the pharmaceutical composition should beformulated with a suitable ointment containing the active componentssuspended or dissolved in a carrier. Carriers for topical administrationof the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to,mineral oil, liquid petroleum, white petroleum, propylene glycol,polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water.Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated with asuitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended ordissolved in a carrier. Suitable carriers include, but are not limitedto, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esterswax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water. Thepharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be topicallyapplied to the lower intestinal tract by rectal suppository formulationor in a suitable enema formulation. Topically-applied transdermalpatches are also included in this invention.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered bynasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according totechniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and maybe prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or othersuitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability,fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known inthe art.

The compounds of this invention may be used in combination with eitherconventional anti-inflammatory agents or with matrix metalloproteaseinhibitors, lipoxygenase inhibitors and antagonists of cytokines otherthan IL-1β.

The compounds of this invention can also be administered in combinationwith immunomodulators (e.g., bropirimine, anti-human alpha interferonantibody, IL-2, GM-CSF, methionine enkephalin, interferon alpha,diethyldithiocarbamate, tumor necrosis factor, naltrexons and rEPO) orwith prostaglandins, to prevent or combat IL-1-mediated disease symptomssuch as inflammation.

When the compounds of this invention are administered in combinationtherapies with other agents, they may be administered sequentially orconcurrently to the patient. Alternatively, pharmaceutical compositionsaccording to this invention may be comprised of a combination of acompound of Formula I and another therapeutic or prophylactic agentmentioned above.

The disease states which may be treated or prevented by the instantpharmaceutical compositions include, but are not limited to,inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerativediseases, and for inhibiting unwanted apoptosis involved in ischemicinjury, such as ischemic injury to the heart (e.g., myocardialinfarction), brain (e.g., stroke), and kidney (e.g., ischemic kidneydisease). As a consequence of their ability to inhibit apoptosis, thepresent pharmaceutical compositions are also useful for the repopulationof hematopoietic cells of a patient following chemotherapy. Methods ofadministering an effective amount of the above-described pharmaceuticalcompositions to mammals, also referred to herein as patients, in need ofsuch treatment (that is, those suffering from inflammatory diseases,autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and for the repopulationof hematopoietic cells in cancer patients who have undergonechemotherapy) are another aspect of the instant invention. Finally, as afurther consequence of their ability to inhibit apoptosis, the instantpharmaceutical compositions may be used in a method to prolong theviability of organs to be used in transplantations.

Inflammatory disease which may be treated or prevented include, forexample, septic shock, septicemia, and adult respiratory distresssyndrome. Target autoimmune diseases include, for example, rheumatoid,arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, chronicthyroiditis, Graves′ disease, autoimmune gastritis, insulin-dependentdiabetes mellitus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia,thrombocytopenia, chronic active hepatitis, myasthenia gravis andmultiple sclerosis. Target neurodegenerative diseases include, forexample, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson'sdisease, and primary lateral sclerosis. The pharmaceutical compositionsof this invention may also be used to promote wound healing. Targetdiseases associated with harmful, apoptosis, in other words, thoseassociated with ischemic injury, includes myocardial infarction, stroke,and ischemic kidney disease. The pharmaceutical compositions of thisinvention may also be used to treat infectious diseases, especiallythose involved with viral infections.

The term “effective amount” refers to dosage levels of the order of fromabout 0.05 milligrams to about 140 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight per day for use in the treatment of the above-indicatedconditions (typically about 2.5 milligrams to about 7 grams per patientper day). For example, inflammation may be effectively treated by theadministration of from about 0.01 to 50 milligrams of the compound perkilogram of body weight per day (about 0.5 milligrams to about 3.5 gramsper patient per day).

The amount of the compounds of Formula I that may be combined with thecarrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary dependingupon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. Forexample, a formulation intended for the oral administration of humansmay contain from 0.5 milligrams to 5 grams of a compound of Formula Icombined with an appropriate and convenient amount of apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier which may vary from about 5 to about95 percent of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generallycontain between from about 1 milligram to about 500 milligrams of anactive compound of Formula I.

It will be understood, however, that the specific “effective amount” forany particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors includingthe activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight,general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route ofadministration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity ofthe particular disease undergoing prevention or therapy.

Although this invention focuses on the use of the compounds disclosedherein for preventing and treating IL-1-mediated diseases, the compoundsof this invention can also be used as inhibitory agents for othercysteine proteases.

The compounds of this invention are also useful as commercial reagentswhich effectively bind to the ICE/ced-3 family of cysteine protease orother cysteine proteases. As commercial reagents, the compounds of thisinvention, and their derivatives, may be used to block proteolysis of atarget peptide or may be derivatized to bind to a stable resin as atethered substrate for affinity chromatography applications. These andother uses which characterize commercial cystine protease inhibitorswill be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In order that this invention be more fully understood, the followingexamples are set forth. These examples are for the purpose ofillustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope ofthe invention in any way.

In the following Examples, proton NMR spectra were obtained at 300 MHz;chemical shifts are quoted downfield from internal tetramethylsilane.

PREPARATION 1

Preparation of (3S)-Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid (tert)-Butyl EsterSemicarbazone, p-Toluenesulfonate Salt

Part A: N-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-(N′-Methyl-N′-Methoxy)aspartamideD-(tert-Butyl) Ester

To a solution of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic acid-β-(tert-butyl)ester (14.65 g, 45.3 mmol, Bachem) in CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) at 0° C. (icebath) under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1-hydroxybenzotriazolehydrate (7.29 g, 47.6 mmol, Aldrich) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride(9.55 g, 49.8 mmol, Sigma). After stirring at 0° C. for 15 min.,N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (5.10 g, 52.3 mmol, Aldrich) andN-methylmorpholine (5.8 mL, 53 mmol, Aldrich) were added. The mixturewas allowed to warm to room temperature over 3 hours then stirred atroom temperature for 16 hours. The solution was concentrated undervacuum and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate-5% KHSO₄ (200mL each). The organic phase was washed in turn with 5% KHSO₄, saturatedsodium bicarbonate and saturated sodium chloride solutions; dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to an oil. The oil wascrystallized from hexane to give the title product (16.10 g, 97% yield)as a fluffy white crystalline solid. TLC (ethyl acetate), single spot(TV and PMA): Rf=0.37.

A similar procedure to the one above, starting with 29.3 g ofN-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic acid-β-(tert-butyl)ester (2-fold scaleup) gave 31.18 g (94% yield) of the title product.

Part B: (3S)-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid (tert)-ButylEster Semicarbazone.

To a solution ofN-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-(N′-methyl-N′-methoxy)aspartamide-β-(tert-butyl)ester (15.50 g, 42.3 mmol) in anhydrous ether (400 mL) at 0° C. (icebath) under a nitrogen atmosphere was added dropwise to a 1.0 M solutionof LiAlH₄ in ether (22.0 mL, 22.0 mmol, Aldrich) at such a rate as tokeep the reaction solution temperature between 0-5° C. (addition time15-20 min). After the addition of the lithium aluminum hydride reagentwas complete, the mixture was stirred at 0-5° C. for 1 hr, then quenchedby the dropwise addition of 0.3 N KHSO₄ solution (100 mL). The resultantmixture was transferred to a separatory funnel adding sufficient 5%KHSO₄ solution (75 mL) to dissolve the solids. The organic phase wasseparated and the combined aqueous washes back-extracted with ether (100mL). The combined ether extracts were washed with saturated NaClsolution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuowith minimal heating. TLC (ethyl acetate): streaky spot (UV and PMA)Rf=0.48. TLC (methanol/methylene chloride, 1:9) major spot (UV and PMA):Rf=0.75.

The crude aldehyde was immediately taken up in aqueous ethanol (45 mLwater/105 mL alcohol), placed in an ice bath and treated with sodiumacetate (3.82 g, 46.65 mmol) and semicarbazide hydrochloride (5.20 g,46.6 mmol, Aldrich). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. (ice bath) under anitrogen atmosphere for 3 hrs, allowed to warm to room temperature, andstirred overnight (16 hrs). Most of the ethanol was removed under vacuumand the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and water (100 mLeach). The organic phase was washed sequentially with 5% KHSO₄,saturated sodium bicarbonate and saturated sodium chloride solutions;dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The crudeproduct of this reaction was combined with that of two similarprocedures starting with 15.40 g arid 4.625 g ofN-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-(N′-methyl-N′-methoxy)aspartamide-p-(tert-butylester) (total: 35.525 g, 97 mmol) and these combined products werepurified by flash chromotagraphy on silica gel eluting withacetone/methylene chloride (3:7) then methanol-acetone-methylenechloride (0.5:3:7) to give pure title product (27.73 g, 78.5%) as acolorless foam. TLC (MeOH—CH₂Cl₂, 1:9): single spot (UV and PMA),Rf=0.51.

Part C: (3S)-Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid (tert)-Butyl Ester Semicarbazone,p-Toluenesulfonate Salt

To a solution of (3S)-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-4-oxobutanoic acid(tert)-butyl ester semicarbazone (13.84 g, 38.0 mmol) in absoluteethanol (250 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (1.50 g, Aldrich) and the resultingmixture stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen (balloon) until TLC(methanol/methylene chloride, 1:9) indicated complete consumption of thestarting material (60 min). Note: It is important to follow thisreaction closely since the product can be over-reduced. The mixture wasfiltered though Celite and evaporated to an oil. The oil was chased withmethylene chloride (2×75 mL) then with methvlene chloride/toluene (1:1,75 mL) to give the crude amine as a white crystalline solid. TLC(EtOAc-pyridine-AcOH-H₂O; 60:20:5:10) single spot (UV and PMA) Rf=0.24.Note: In this TLC system, any over-reduced product will show upimmediately below the desired product, Rf=0.18 (PMA only).

The crude amine was taken up in CH₃CN (60 mL) and treated with asolution of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (7.22 g, 38.0 mmol) inacetonitrile (60 mL). The crystalline precipitate was collected, washedwith acetonitrile and ether, and air-dried to give the title compound(13.95 g, 92% yield) as a white, crystalline solid.

The optical purity of this material was checked by conversion to thecorresponding Mosher amide [1.05 equiv(R)-(-)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetyl chloride, 2.1equivalents of i-Pr₂NEt in CH₂Cl₂, room temperature, 30 min]. Thedesired product has a doublet at 7.13 ppm (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz, CH═N) whilethe corresponding signal for its diastereomer is at 7.07 ppm. Theoptical purity of the title compound obtained from the above procedureis typically >95:5.

PREPARATION 2

Preparation of (3S)-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycabonyl)Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid(tert)-Butyl Ester Semicarbazonyl-4-[2′-(4-Ethyl-Phenoxyacetic Acid)]

Part A: 4-[2′-(N-t-Butoxycarbonyl)Aminoethyl]Phenoxyacetic Acid, MethylEster

To a suspension 4-hydroxy-phenethylamine (7.00 g, 51.1 mmol, Aldrich) indry dimethylformamide (50 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen wasadded di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (11.0 g, 50.5 mmol). After stirring atroom temperature for 1 hr, the resulting clear solution was treated withmethyl bromoacetate (7.5 mL, 79 mmol) and cesium carbonate (17.5 g, 53.7mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, TLC (Et₂O-toluene;2:8) shows some unalkylated material remained (Rf=0.43) and a secondportion of methyl bromoacetate (2.0 mL, 21 mmol) and cesium carbonate(4.5 g, 14 mmol) were added. After stirring for an additional 24 hrs,the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water (250 mnL each), organicphase washed succesively with water (3×), 5% potassium bisulfate andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated todryness. Trituration of the residue with hexane gave 15.87 g of a tansolid. Filtration of the crude product through a pad of silica geleluting with EtOAc-hexane (2:8) and crystallization from hexane gave thetitle compound (14.75, 93%) as a white granular, crystalline solid. TLC(Et₂O-toluene; 2:8) Rf=0.53.

Part B: 4-(2′-Aminoethyl)Phenoxyacetic Acid, Methyl Ester, Hydrochloride

To a solution 4-[2′-(N-t-butoxycarbonyl) aminoethyl]phenoxyacetic acid,methyl ester (18.31 g, 59.3 mmol) in dioxane (55 mL) at room temperaturewas added 4.0 N HCl in dioxane (55 mL). After stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was diluted with Et₂O, theprecipatate collected, washed throughly with Et₂O and dried in vacuo togive the title compound (14.55 g, 94%) was a fluffy white, crystallinesolid.

Part C:1-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-Semicarbazidyl-4-[2′-(4-Ethyl-PhenoxyaceticAcid)]Methyl Ester.

A solution of t-butyl carbazate (6.60 g, 50 mmol) in dimethylfornamide(50 mL) was added dropwise to a solution carbonyldiimidazole (8.10 g, 50mmol) in dimethylformamide (80 mL) over 40 min at room temperature undernitrogen. After stirring at room temperature for an additional 30 min,4-(2′-aminoethyl)phenoxyacetic acid, methyl ester, hydrochloride (12.3g, 50 mmol) was added as a solid in one portion followed by atriethylamine (8.0 mL, 58 mmol) added dropwise over 30 min. Afterstirring at room temperature for 18 hrs, the mixture was partitionedbetween EtOAc-water (300 mL each). The organic phase was washedsuccesively with water (3×), 5% potassium bisulfate, saturated sodiumbicarbonate, and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄and evaporated to dryness. Crystallization of the residue fromEtOAc-hexane gave the title compound (15.50, 84%) as an off-whitecrystalline solid. TLC (MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:9) Rf=0.45.

Part D:1-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-Semicarbazidyl-4-[2′-(4-Ethyl-Phenoxyacetic Acid)]

A solution of1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-semicarbazidyl-4-[2′-(4-ethyl-phenoxyacetic acid)]methyl ester (14.68 g, 40 mmol) in dioxane (50 mL) at room temperatureunder nitrogen was added 1.0 N LiOH solution (50 mL). After stirring atroom temperature for 1 hr, the mixture was acidified with conc. HCl andextracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic phase was washed withsaturated NaCl solution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to awhite solid. Recrystallization of the crude product fromTHF-EtOAc-hexane gave the title compound (13.44, 95%) as a whitecrystalline solid. TLC (AcOH—MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:8) Rf=0.31.

Part E: Semicarbazidyl-4-[2′-(4-Ethyl-Phenoxyacetic Acid)] Hydrochloride

To a solution of1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-semicarbazidyl-4-[2′-(4-ethyl-phenoxyacetic acid)](13.43 g, 38.0 mmol) in dioxane (80 mL)-anisole (15 mL) at roomtemperature was added 4.0 N HCl in dioxane (35 mL). After stirring atroom temperature for 18 hrs, additional 4.0 N HCl in dioxane (15 mL) wasadded. After an additional 6 hrs, the precipatate was collected, washedthroughly with dioxane then Et₂O and dried in vacuo to give the titlecompound (11.67 g, 100%) was a white, crystalline solid.

Part F:N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-(N′-Methyl-N′-Methoxy)aspartamideβ-(tert-Butyl) Ester

To a solution of N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-asparticacid-β-(tert-butyl) ester (16.48 g, 40 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (80ml)-tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under a nitrogenatmosphere was added 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (7.12 g, 46.5 mmol)followed by 1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-l′-aminopropyl)carbodilmidehydrochloride (9.20 g, 48 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 15 min.,N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (4.68 g, 48 mmol) andN-methylmorpholine (5.2 mL, 47 mmol) were added. The mixture was allowedto warm to room temperature over 2 hours then stirred at roomtemperature for 16 hours. The solution was concentrated under vacuum andthe residue partitioned between ethyl acetate-5% KHSO₄ (200 mL each).The organic phase was washed succesively with 5% KHSO₄, saturated sodiumbicarbonate and saturated sodium chloride solutions; dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to an oil. Purification of thecrude product by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (30:70 then 35:65) gave the title product (17.75 g, 98%yield) as a colorless foam. TLC (EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.35.

Part G: (3S)-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycabonyl)Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid(tert)-Butyl Ester Semicarbazonyl-4-[2′-(4-Ethyl-Phenoxyacetic Acid)]

To a solution ofN-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-(N′-methyl-N′-methoxy)aspartamide-β-(tert-butyl)ester (13.20 g, 29 mmol) in anhydrous ether (250 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath)under a nitrogen atmosphere was added dropwise to a 1.0 M solution ofLiAlH₄ in ether (14.5 mL, 14.5 mmol) at such a rate as to keep thereaction solution temperature between 0-5° C. (addition time 15-20 min).After the addition of the lithium aluminum hydride reagent was complete,the mixture was stirred at 0-5° C. for 1 hr, then quenched by thedropwise addition of 0.3 N KHSO₄ solution (100 mL). After addingsufficient 0.3 N KHSO₄ solution to dissolve most of the inorganic salts,the mixture was transferred to a seperatory funnel. The organic phasewas separated and the aqueous phase back-extracted with ether (100 mL).The combined ether extracts were washed with saturated NaCl solution,dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo withminimal heating. TLC (EtOAc-hexane): Rf=0.40.

The crude aldehyde was immediately taken up in ethanol(105 mL)-water(45mL)-tetrahydrofuran(75 mL), placed in an ice bath and treated withsodium acetate (3.20 g, 39 mmol) andsemicarbazidyl-4-[2′-(4-ethyl-phenoxyacetic acid)] hydrochloride (8.65g, 30 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. (ice bath) under anitrogen atmosphere for 3 hrs, allowed to warm to room temperature, andstirred overnight (16 hrs). The mixture was concentrated on a rotovap,diluted with water and resulting precipitate collected by suction. Thematerial was dried in vacuo to give 18.36 g of crude product as a whitesolid. The cnrde product of this reaction was combined with that of asmaller scale reaction (6.34 g) starting with 4.55 g (10 =mol) ofN-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-(N′-methyl-N′-methoxy)aspartamide-β-(tert-butylester) and partitioned between ethyl acetate-tetrahydrofuran(1:1) and 5%KHSO₄. The organic phase was washed with 5% KHSO₄ and saturated sodiumchloride solutions, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporatedto dryness. The residue was purified by filtration through a pad ofsilica gel eluting with terahydrofuran/methylene chloride (1:1). Thecombined product-containing fractions were evaporated to dryness andrecrystallized from tetrahydrofuran-Et₂O to give pure title product(17.01 g, 69%) as a white solid. TLC (AcOH—MeOH—CH₂Cl₂, 1:1:40):Rf=0.19.

PREPARATION 3 Assay for Inhibition of ICE/ced-3 Protease Family Activity

A. Determination of IC₅₀ Values

Fluorescence enzyme assays detecting the activity of the compounds ofFormula I utilizing the recombinant ICE and CPP32 enzymes are performedessentially according to Thomberry et al. (Nature, 356:768:774 (1992))and Nicholson et al. (Nature, 376:37-43 (1995)) respectively, (hereinincorporated by reference) in 96 well microtiter plates. The substrateis Acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) (SEQ ID NO:1) forthe ICE assay and Acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-amino-4-methylcoumarin (SEQ IDNO:2) for the CPP32, Mch2, Mch3 and Mch5 assays. Enzyme reactions arerun in ICE buffer (25 mM HEPES, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% CHAPS, 10% sucrose, pH7.5) containing 2 mM DTT at room temperature in duplicate. The assaysare performed by mixing the following components:

50 μL ICE, Mch2, Mch5, CPP32 (18.8, 38, 8.1 and 0.153 nM concentrations,respectively) or Mch3 (1 unit) enzyme in ICE buffer containing either8.0 (ICE, Mch2, Mch3, CPP32) or 20 (Mch5) mM DTT;

50 μL compound of Formula I or ICE buffer (control); and

100 μL of 20 μM substrate.

The enzyme and the compound of Formula I to be assayed are allowed topreincubate in the microtitre plate wells for 30 minutes at roomtemperature prior to the addition of substrate to initiate the reaction.Fluorescent AMC product formation is monitored for one hour at roomtemperature by measuring the fluorescence emission at 460 nm using anexcitation wavelength of 360 nm. The fluorescence change in duplicate(control) wells are averaged and the mean values are plotted as afunction of inhibitor concentration to determine the inhibitorconcentration producing 50% inhibition (IC₅₀). The results of this assayare set forth below in Table 1.

The reference compound for this assay was Cbz-ValAlaAsp-H and the valuesare denoted in Table 1 as “Reference”.

TABLE 1 mICE CPP32 MCH-2 MCH-3 MCH-5 Example No. IC₅₀(μM) IC₅₀(μM)IC₅₀(μM) IC₅₀(μM) IC₅₀(μM)  1 0.027 0.010 1.50 0.267 0.179 112 0.0591.38 3.53 1.13 0.322 reference 0.064 47.0 >10 >10 2.96

B. Determination of the Dissociation Constant Ki and Irreversible RateConstant k₃ for Irreversible Inhibitors

For the irreversible inhibition of a ICE/ced-3 Family Protease enzymewith a competitive irreversible inhibitor; using the model representedby the following formulas:

The product formation at time t may be expressed as: $\begin{matrix}{\lbrack P\rbrack_{t} = {\lbrack E\rbrack^{T}( \frac{\lbrack S\rbrack K_{i}}{\lbrack I\rbrack K_{s}} )\quad {( \frac{k_{s}}{k_{3}} )\quad\lbrack {1 - ^{{- k_{3}}{t/{({1 + {\frac{K_{i}}{\lbrack I\rbrack}{({1 + \frac{\lbrack S\rbrack}{K_{s}}})}}})}}}} \rbrack}}} & \text{Equation 1}\end{matrix}$

where E, I, EI and E-I denote the active enzyme, inhibitor, non-covalentenzyme-inhibitor complex and covalent enzyme-inhibitor adduct,respectively. The K_(i) value is the overall dissociation constant ofthe reversible binding steps, and k₃ is the irreversible rate constant.The [S] and K_(s) values are the substate concentration and dissociationconstant of the substrate bound to the enzyme, respectively. [E]^(T) isthe total enzyme concentration.

The above equations were used to determine the K₁ and k₃ values of agiven inhibitor bound to a ICE/ced-3 family protease. Thus, a continuousassay was run for sixty minutes at various concentrations of theinhibitor and the substrate. The assay was formulated essentially thesame as described above for generating the data in Table 1, except thatthe reaction was initiated by adding the enzyme to thesubstrate-inhibitor mixture. The K_(i) and k₃ values were obtained bysimulating the product AMC formation as a function of time according toEquation 1. The results of this second assay are set forth below inTable 2.

The reference compound for this assay was Cbz-ValAlaAsp-CH₂F, which hada Ki (μM) of 0.015 (mICE), 0.820 (CPP32), 0.594 (MCH-2), and 0.018(MCH-5). Preferred compounds in this assay have a Ki of less than 0.1 μM(100 nM), and more preferably less than 0.01 μM(10 nM).

To this end, representative compounds having a Ki of less than 0.1 μMinclude the following compounds listed in Table 2A:

TABLE 2A (Ki < 0.1 μM) Assay Example No. mICE 3-8, 10-13, 15-16, 18-19,28-35, 40, 42-43, 45-49, 55-61, 63-64, 66, 72, 75-79, 81-82, 84, 89,91-95, 102-110B CPP32 3-13, 15-19, 29-35, 37-38, 40-43, 46-49, 52,55-61, 64-66, 72, 76, 103-104, 106 MCH-2 3-7, 10-13, 15-16, 18-19,28-35, 37-43, 45-53, 55-66, 72-75, 78, 83-84, 91-95, 102-108, 110A-110BMCH-5 3-8, 10-13, 15-16, 18-19, 28-35, 37-43, 45-66, 72, 74-79, 81-84,89-95, 102-110B

Furthermore, representative compounds having a Ki of less than 0.01 μMinclude the following compounds listed in Table 2B:

TABLE 2A (Ki < 0.01 μM) Assay Example No. mICE 3-8, 10-12, 15-16, 33-34,42, 46, 49, 55-57, 78-79, 82, 93, 95, 103-108 MCH-2 4, 29, 38, 42-43,46, 55, 64, 108 MCH-5 3-7, 10-11, 15-16, 28, 33-34, 38, 42-43, 45-49,55-59, 64, 72, 75, 78-79, 82, 92-93, 95, 103-104, 106-108. 110A-110B

The following are examples of compounds of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid

Part A: N-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamic Acid

To a solution of 1-aminonaphthylene (1.43 g, 10 mmol) and triethylamine(1.5 mL, 10.8 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogenwas added dropwise a solution of methyl oxalyl chloride (1.0 mL, 10.9mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL). When the addition was complete, the mixture wasallowed to come to room temperature and stirred for 1 hr. The mixturewas concentrated and the residue partitioned between EtOAc-5% KHSO₄. Theorganic phase was washed with 5% KHSO₄ and saturated NaCl solutions,dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a pink solid.Recrystallization of the crude product from toluene-hexzme gave theN-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid methyl ester (2.066 g, 90%) as a pinkcrystalline solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane) Rf=0.6.

The methyl ester (1.97 g, 8.6 mmol) was taken up in dioxane (10 mL) andtreated with 1.0 N LiOH solution (10 mL, 10 mmol) and stirred at roomtemperature for 1 hr. The mixture was acidified with conc. HCl andextracted with EtOAc. The extract was washed with satuated NaClsolution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a pink solid,.Recrystallization of the crude product from EtOAc-hexane gave the titlecompound (1.712 g, 85%) as a pink crystalline solid.TLC(AcOH—MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:20) Rf=0.06.

Part B: (3S)-3-[(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Leucinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid(tert)-Butyl Ester Semicarbazone

To a solution of (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)leucine N-hydroxysuccinimde ester(1.81 g, 5.0 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) at room temperature under nitrogenwas added (3S)-amino-4-oxobutanoic acid (tert)-butyl estersemicarbazone, p-toluenesulfonate salt (2.58 g, 6.4 mmol) followed bydiisopropyl ethylamine (1.2 mL, 6.9 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was concentrated and the residuepartitioned between EtOAc-5% KHSO₄. The organic phase was washed with 5%KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the title compound (2.798 g) asa pale yellow foam. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:9) Rf=0.52.

Part C: (3S)-3-(Leucinyl)Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid (tert)-Butyl EsterSemicarbazone

To a solution of crude(3S)-[(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)leucinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acid(tert)-butyl ester semicarbazone (2.798 g, ca.5.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH(40 mL) was added 10% Pd—C (0.40 g) and resulting mixture stirred underahydrogen atmosphere (ballon) for 1.5 hrs. The mixture was filteredthrough Celite washing the filter cake with CH₂Cl₂ and the combinedfiltrates evaporated to dryness. The residue was chased with CH₂Cl₂(2×20 mL) to give the title product (2.113 g) as a colorless foam.TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:9) Rf=0.23.

Part D: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid (tert)-Butyl Ester Semicarbazone

To a solution of N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid (0.095 g, 0.44 mmol) and(3S)-3-(leucinyl)amino-4-oxobutanoic acid (tert)-butyl estersemicarbazone (0.180 g, ca 0.41 mmcol) in N-methylpyrrolidone(1.0mL)-CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen was addedhydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.100 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride(0.100 g, 0.52 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 2 hrs and at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water.The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated toa solid. The solid residue was triturated with Et₂O to give the titlecompound (0.231 g, 97%) as an off-white solid. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 5:95)Rf=0.32.

Part E: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid Semicarbazone

To a suspension of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acid(tert)-butyl ester semicarbazone (0.212 g, 0.39 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.0mL)-anisole(0.5 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedtrifluoroacetic acid (2.0 mL). The resulting clear solution was stirredat room temperature for 3 hrs, evaporated to dryness and chased withtoluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residue was triturated with Et₂O to give thetitle compound (0.181 g, 95%) as an off-white solid.TLC(AcOH—MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:20) Rf=0.16.

Part F: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid

A suspension of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acidsemicarbazone (0.173 g, 0.36 mmol) in 37% aqueous formaldehyde(1.0mL)-acetic acid(1.0 mL)-methanol(3.0 mL) was stirred at room temperatureunder nitrogen for 18 hrs. The resulting clear solution was diluted withwater and the resulting white precipitate collected by suction andwashed with water. The combined aqueous filtrate was extracted withEtOAc. The extract was washed with water and saturated NaCl solution,dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a glass. This was combinedwith the solid which was filtered from the aqueous mixture, taken up inCH₂Cl₂, filtered through Celite and evaporated to dryness. The crudeproduct was purified by dissolving the residue in CH₂Cl₂ andprecipitating with Et₂O-hexane. The precipitate was collected by suctionto give the title compound (0.129 g, 84%) as a white solid.TLC(AcOH—MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:20) Rf=0.22. MS(ES) for C₂₂H₂₅N₃O₆ (MW427.46): positive 450(M+Na); negative 426(M−H).

EXAMPLE 2

(3RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A:(3RS,4RS)-3-[(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid, tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of (3RS,4RS)-3-amino-5-fluoro-4-hydroxypentanoic acid,tert-butyl ester (0.230 g, 1.1 mmol, prepared as described inTetrahedron Letters 1994,35, 9693-9696) in CH₂Cl₂ (2.0 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was added (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)leucine,N-hydroxysuccinimde ester (0.402 g, 1.1 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was evaporated to dryness and theresidue purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:2) to give the title compound (0.332 g, 66%) as acolorless, viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 2:1) Rf=0.51.

Part B: (3RS,4RS)-3-(Leucinyl)Amino-5-Fluoro-4-Hydroxypentanoic Acid,tert-Butyl Ester, p-Toluenesulfonate Salt

To a solution of(3RS,4RS)-3-[(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)leucinyl]amino-5-fluoro-4-hydroxypentanoicacid, tert-butyl ester (0.332 g, 0.734 mmol) in MeOH (100 mL) was addedp-toluenesulsufonic acid hydrate (0.140 g, 0.737 mmol) and 10% Pd—C(0.033 g) and resulting mixture stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere(balloon) for 2 hrs. The mixture was filtered through Celite washing thefilter cake with CH₂Cl₂ and the combined filtrates evaporated todryness. The residue was chased with CH₂Cl₂ to give the title product(0.371 g) as a colorless foam.

Part C:(3RS,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid, tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid (0.161 g, 0.749 mmol, seeExample 1, Part A) in in N-methylpyrrolidone(1.5 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(1.5 mL) atroom temperature under nitrogen was addedO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumn hexafluorophate(0.313 g, 0.823 mmol). After stirring for 0.5 hrs, the mixture wastreated with a solution of(3RS,4RS)-3-(leucinyl)amino-5-fluoro-4-hydroxypentanoic acid, tert-butylester, p-toluenesulfonate salt (0.371 g, 0.749 mmol) anddilsopropylethylamine (0.39 mL, 2.25 mmol) in N-methylpyrrolidone(2.0mL)-CH₂Cl₂(2.0 mL). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:1) to give the title compound (0.213 g, 55%) as acolorless foam. TLC(Et₂O—CH₂Cl₂-hexane; 2:1:2, 2 developments) Rf=0.12.

Part D:(3RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid, tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3RS,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-5-fluoro-4-hydroxypentanoicacid, tert-butyl ester (0.163 g, 0.315 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3.0 mL) at roomtemperature was added Dess-Martin periodinane (0.160 g, 0.378 mmol).After stirring at room temperature for 0.5 hrs, the mixture was dilutedwith EtOAc and washed with dilute Na₂S₂O₃, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated todryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica geleluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:3) to give the title compound (0.155 g,95%) as a white solid. TLC(Et₂O—CH₂Cl₂-hexane; 2:1:2, 2 developments)Rf=0.35. MS(ES) for C₂₇H₃4FN₃O₆ (MW 515.57): positive 538(M+Na);negative 514(M−H).

Part E:(3RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid

To a solution of(3RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-5-fluoro-4-oxopentanoicAcid, tert-butyl ester (0.147 g, 0.285 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1.0mL)-anisole(0.5 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedtrifluoroacetic acid (1.0 mL). The resulting clear solution was stirredat room temperature for 1 hr, evaporated to dryness and chased withtoluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residue was triturated with Et₂O-hexane togive the title compound (0.100 g, 76%) as a white solid. MS(ES) forC₂₃H₂₆FN₃O₆ (MW 459.47): positive 482(M+Na); negative 458(M−H).

EXAMPLE 3

(3RS)-3-[N-(N-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A:(3RS,4RS)-3-[(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid, tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valine (0.332 g, 1.32 mmol) inCH₂Cl₂(7.0 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen was addedhydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.219 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride(0.317 g, 1.65 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min, the mixturewas treated with (3RS,4RS)-3-amino-5-fluoro-4-hydroxypentanoic acid,tert-butyl ester (0.228 g, 1.1 mmol) and the reacton allowed to warm toroom temperature. After stirring at room temperature for 24 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with EtOAc-hexane(1:1) to give the title compound (0.423 g, 87%) as colorless glass.TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 5:95) Rf=0.17.

Part B:(3RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Starting with(3RS,4RS)-3-[(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valinyl]amino-5-fluoro-4-hydroxypentanoicacid, tert-butyl ester and following the methods described in Example 2,Parts B through E gave the title compound as a white solid. MS(ES) forC₂₂H₂₄FN₃O₆ (MW 445.45): positive 468(M+Na), 484(M+K); negative444(M−H).

EXAMPLE 4

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,6′-Dichlorobenzoyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: [(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Valinyl]Aspartic Acid, βtert-Butyl,α-Methyl Ester

To a solution of N-benzyloxycarbony)vaine (2.10 g, 8.36 mmol) inCH₂Cl₂(20 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen was addedhydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (1.74 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-imethyl-l′-aminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (2.40g, 12.5 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min the mixture wastreated with aspartic acid, α-tert-butyl, α-methyl ester hydrochloride(2.00 g, 8.34 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (1.1 mL, 10 mmol), and thereacton allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring at roomtemperature for 2.5 hrs, the mixture was concentrated and the residuepartitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase was washed withwater, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, driedover anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the title compound (3.55 g,97%) as a white solid after tituration with Et₂O-hexane.TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.48.

Part B: (Valinyl)Aspartic Acid, β-tert-Butyl, α-Methyl Esterp-Toluenesulfonate Salt

To a solution of [(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valinyl]aspartic acid,β-tert-butyl, α-methyl ester (3.55 g, 8.12 mmol) in MeOH (300 mL) wasadded p-toluenesulsufonic acid hydrate (1.55 g, 8.12 mmol) and 10% Pd—C(0.30 g) and resulting mixture stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere(balloon) for 2 hrs. The mixture was filtered through Celite washing thefilter cake with CH₂Cl₂ and the combined filtrates evaporated todryness. The residue was chased with CH₂Cl₂ to give the title product(3.85 g, quantitative) as a colorless foam.

Part C: [N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Aspartic Acid, β-tert-Butyl,α-Methyl Ester

To a solution of N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid (0.683 g, 3.18 mmol, seeExample 1, Part A) in in N-methylpyrrolidone(7.0 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(7.0 mL) atroom temperature under nitrogen was addedO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophate(1.329 g, 3.49 mmol). After stirring for 15 min, the mixture was treatedwith N-(valinyl)aspartic acid, β-tert-butyl, a-methyl esterp-toluenesulfonate salt (1.506 g, 3.18 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine(1.66 mL, 9.53 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 2 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:1) to give the title compound (1.153 g, 73%) as a whitesolid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 2:1) Rf=0.48.

Part D: [N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Aspartic Acid, Ptert-ButylEster

To a solution of [N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)valinyl] aspartic acid,β-tert-butyl, α-methyl ester (0.490 g, 0.98 mmol) in dioxane (2.4 mL)was added 1.0 N LiOH solution (1.0 mL, 1.0 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 1 hr, the mixture was acidified with 1.0 N HCl andextracted with EtOAc. The extract was washed with saturated NaClsolution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the titlecompound (0.481 g, quantitative) as a white solid. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:9)Rf=0.15.

Part E:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Diazo-4-OxopentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of [N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)valinyl] aspartic acid,β-tert-butyl ester (0.095 g, 0.20 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (22 μL,0.20 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2.0 mL) at −10° C. (NaCl/ice bath) undernitrogen was added isobutyl chloroformate (28 μL, 0.22 mmol). Afterstirring at −10° C. for 0.5 hrs, the resulting mixed anhydride wastreated with excess diazomethane/Et₂O solution (prepared from 0.072 g,0.49 mmol of 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine, 1.0 mL 40% KOH/1.0 mlEt₂O). After stirring at −10° C. for an additional 1 hr, the mixture wasconcentrated and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silicagel eluting with CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O-hexane (1:2:2) to give the title compound(0.062 g, 62%) as a white solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 2:1) Rf=0.63.

Part F: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Bromo-4-Oxopentanoic Acidtert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-5-diazo-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.135 g, 0.265 mmol) in tetrahydrofuiran (3.0 mL)at 0° C. was added 48% aqueous HBr (30 μL, 0.27 mmol). Gas evolution wasobserved. After 15 min, the mixture was partitioned betweenEtOAc-saturated NaHCO₃, the organic phase washed with saturated NaClsolution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the titlecompound (0.147 g, quantitative) as a white solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane;2:1) Rf=0.72.

Part G:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,6′-Dichlorobenzoyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid, tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoic acid tert-butyl ester (0.100 g,0.18 mmol) and 2,6-dichlorobenzoic acid (0.037 g, 0.20 mmol) indimethylformamide (1.0 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedpotassium fluoride (0.031 g, 0.53 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water.The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated todryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica geleluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:1) to give the title compound (0.084 g,70%) as viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 2:1) Rf=0.71.

Part H:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,6′-Dichlorobenzoyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

To a solution of (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-5-(2′,6′-dichlorobenzoyloxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid,tert-butyl ester (0.084 g, 0.125 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL)-anisole(0.5 mL)at room temperature under nitrogen was added trifluoroacetic acid (1.0mL). The resulting clear solution was stirred at room temperature for 1hr, evaporated to dryness and chased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). Theresidue was triturated with Et₂O to give the title compound (0.060 g,78%) as an off-white solid. MS(ES) for C₂₉H₂₇Cl₂N₃O₈ (MW 616.45):positive 638/640(M+Na); negative 614/616(M−H).

EXAMPLES 5-14

Starting with(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (see Example 4, Part F) and following the methodsdescribed in Example 4, Parts G through H, the compounds shown below inTable 3 were also prepared:

TABLE 3

MS(ES) Ex. B Formula MW pos. neg.  5 CH₂O(2,6-diF-Ph) C₂₈H₂₇F₂N₃O₇555.53 578(M + Na) 554(M − H)  6 CH₂O(2,4,6-triF-Ph) C₂₈H₂₆F₃N₃O₇ 573.52596(M + Na) 572(M − H)  7 CH₂O(2,3,5,6-tetraF-Ph) C₂₈H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ 591.51614(M + Na) 590(M − H)  8 CH₂O(6-Me-2-pyron-4-yl) C₂₈H₂₉N₃O₉ 551.55574(M + Na) 550(M − H)  9 CH₂O(2-Ph-5,6- C₃₇H₃₃N₃O₉ 663.68 686(M + Na)662(M − H) benzopyran-4-on-3-yl) 10 CH₂OPO(Me)Ph C₂₉H₃₂N₃O₈P 581.56582(M + H) 580(M − H) 604(M + Na) 694(M + TFA) 11 CH₂OPOPh₂ C₃₄H₃₄N₃O₈P643.63 666(M + Na) 642(M − H) 12 CH₂O(2-CF₃-pyrimidin-4-yl) C₂₇H₂₆F₃N₅O₇589.53 612(M + Na) 588(M − H) 13 CH₂O(5-CO₂Me- C₂₇H₂₈N₄O₁₀ 568.54591(M + Na) 567(M − H) isoxazol-3-yl) 14 CH₂OPO(Me)(1-naphthyl)C₃₃H₃₄N₃O₈P 631.62 654(M + Na) 630(M − H) 744(M + TFA)

EXAMPLE 15

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-(Diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: [(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Leucinyl]Aspartic Acid, β-tert-Butyl,α-Methyl Ester

To a solution of (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)leucine, N-hydroxysuccinimideester (4.54 g, 12.5 mmol) and aspartic acid, β-tert-butyl, α-methylester hydrochloride (3.00 g, 12.5 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was added N-methylmorpholine (1.65 mL, 15mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 18 hrs, the mixture waspartitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase was washed with 5%KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the title compound (5.56 g, 99%)as viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.48.

Part B:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Bromo-4-OxopentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

Starting with [(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)leucinyl]aspartic acid,β-tert-butyl, α-methyl ester and following the methods described inExample 4, Parts B through F, gave the title compound as a white solid.TLC(CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O-hexane; 1:2:2) Rf=0.32.

Part C:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-(Diphenylphopshinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid, tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoic acid tert-butyl ester (0.108 g,0.187 mmol) and diphenylphosphinic acid (0.046 g, 0.21 mmol) indimethylformamide (1.0 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedpotassium fluonde (0.033 g, 0.58 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 48 hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water.The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄ saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated todryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica geleluting with CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O-hexane (1:2:2) to give the title compound(0.114 g, 85%) as a white solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 2:1) Rf=0.26.

Part D:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-(Diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

To a solution of (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-5-(diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid, tert-butylester (0.114 g, 0.16 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL)-anisole(0.5 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was added trifluoroacetic acid (1.0 mL). Theresulting clear solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr,evaporated to dryness and chased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residuewas triturated with Et₂O-hexane to give the title compound (0.062 g,59%) as an off-white solid. MS(ES) for C₃₄H₃₄N₃O₈P (MW 657.66): positive680(M+Na); negative 656(M−H).

EXAMPLES 16-19

Starting with(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)leucinyl]amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (see Example 15, Part B) and following the methodsdescnbed in Example 15, Parts C through D, the compounds shown below inTable 4 were also prepared:

TABLE 4

MS(ES) Ex. B Formula MW pos. neg. 16 CH₂OCO(2,6-diCl-Ph) C₃₀H₂₉Cl₂N₃O₈630.48 652/654 (M + Na) 628/630 (M − H) 17 CH₂O(2,4,6-triF-Ph)C₂₉H₂₈F₃N₃O₇ 587.55 610(M + Na) 586(M − H) 18 CH₂O(2,3,5,6-tetraF-Ph)C₂₉H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 605.54 628(M + Na) 604(M − H) 19 CH₂OPO(Me)Ph C₃₀H₃₄N₃O₈P595.59 596(M + H) 594(M − H) 618(M + Na) 708(M + TFA)

EXAMPLES 20-27

Following the general methods described in Example 4, Parts A through Huting (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)alanine for (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valine inPart A, the ate oxamic acid for N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid in Part C, andthe appropiate acid or for 2,6-dichlorobenzoic acid in Part G, thecompounds shown below in Table 5 were pared:

TABLE 5

MS(ES) Ex. R¹ B Formula MW pos. neg. 20 (2-Ph)Ph CH₂O(2-F-Ph)C₂₈H₂₆FN₃O₇ 535.53 558(M + Na) 534(M − H) 21 (2-Ph)Ph CH₂OCO(2,6-C₂₉H₂₅Cl₂N₃O₈ 614.44 652/654 612/614 (M − H) di-Cl-Ph) (M + K) 22(2-Ph)Ph CH₂OPOPh₂ C₃₄H₃₂N₃O₈P 641.61 664(M + Na) 640(M − H) 680(M + K)23 (2-t-Bu)Ph CH₂O(2-F-Ph) C₂₆H₃₀FN₃O₇ 515.54 516(M + H) 514(M − H)538(M + Na) 554(M + K) 24 (2-t-Bu)Ph CH₂OPOPh₂ C₃₂H₃₆N₃O₈P 621.63644(M + Na) 620(M − H) 666(M + K) 25 1-naphthyl-CH₂ CH₂O(2,3,5,6C₂₇H₂₃F₄N₃O₇ 577.48 600(M + Na) 576(M − H) -tetra-F-Ph) 616(M + K) 261-naphthyl-CH₂ CH₂OCO(2,6- C₂₈H₂₅Cl₂N₃O₈ 602.42 624/626 (M + Na) 600/602(M − H) di-Cl-Ph) 640/642 (M + K) 714/716 (M + TFA) 27 1-naphthyl-CH₂CH₂OPOPh₂ C₃₃H₃₂N₃O₈P 629.60 652(M + Na) 628(M − H) 668(M + K)

EXAMPLE 28

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: [(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Valinyl]Aspartic Acid, β-tert-Butyl Ester

To a suspension of aspartic acid β-tert-butyl ester (3.784 g, 20 mmol)in acetonitrile (200 mL) at room temperture under nitrogen was addedbis(tnmethylsilyl)acetamide (9.9 mL, 40 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 30 min, the resulting clear solution was treated with(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (6.97 g, 20mmol). After stirring at room temperature for an additional 18 hrs, themixture was treated with water (20 mL), concentrated on a rotovap andthen partitioned betweeen EtOAc/water. The organic phase was washed withwater, 5% KHSO₄ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. Trituration with Et₂O-hexane gavethe title compound (8.37 g, 99%) as a white solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane;1:1) Rf=0.06.

Part B:(3S)-3-[(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Bromo-4-Oxopentanoic Acidtert-Butyl Ester

A solution of [(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valinyl]aspartic acid, β-tert-butylester (8.37 g, 19.9 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (3.50 mL, 32 mmol) intetrahydrofuran (100 mL) at −10° C. (NaCl/ice bath) under nitrogen wastreated dropwise with isobutyl chloroformate (3.87 mL, 29.8 mmol). Afterstirring at −10° C. for 20 min, the mixture was filtered (sincteredglass) into a pre-cooled receiver (ice bath) washing the filter cakewith additional tetrahydrofuran (approx.30 mL). The combined filtratewas treated with excess diazomethane/Et₂O solution (prepared from 7.32g, 50 mmol of 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine, 40 mL 40% KOH/65 mlEt₂O) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen. After stirring at 0° C. for,15 min and at room temperature for 30 min, the reaction mixture wasagain cooled to 0° C. and treated with 48% HBr(10 mL, 60 mmol)/aceticacid(10 mL). After stirring at 0° C. for 15 min and at room temperaturefor 30 min, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organicphase was washed with water, saturated NaHCO₃, and saturated NaClsolutions dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness.Trituration with hexane gave the crude title compound (9.71 g, 98%) as awhite solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.63.

Part C:(3S)-3-[(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S)-3-[(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valinyl]amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoic acidtert-butyl ester (9.71 g, 19.4 mmol) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenol (3.65g, 22 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) at room temperature undernitrogen was added potassium fluoride (2.91 g, 50 mmol). After stirringat room temperature for 4 hrs, the mixture was diluted with EtOAc(approx.100 mL), washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:3) to give the title compound (9.19 g, 79%) as a whitesolid after trituration with Et₂O-hexane. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.70.

Part D:(3S,4RS)-3-[(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S)-3-[(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (9.19 g, 15.7 mmol) in MeOH(200mL)/tetrahydrofuran(200 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was added sodiumborohydride (0.594 g, 15.7 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 1 hr, themixture was concentrated and the residue partitioned between EtOAc-halfsaturated NH₄Cl solution. The organic phase was washed with saturatedNaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andevaporated to a dryness. The residue was purified by flashchromatography on silica gel eluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:3) to give thetitle compound (7.99 g, 87%) as a white solid. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.54.

Part E:(3S,4RS)-3-(Valinyl)Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)valinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (7.99 g, 13.6 mmol) in MeOH (130 mL) was added 10%Pd—C (0.80 g) and resulting mixture stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere(balloon) for 2 hrs. The mixture was filtered through Celite washing thefilter cake with CH₂Cl₂ and the combined filtrates evaporated todryness. The residue purified by flash chromatography on silica geleluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:3) then methanol to give the title compound(5.13 g, 83%) as a viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.07.

Part F: (3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-Hydroxypentanoic Acidtert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of N-(1-naphthylmethyl)oxamic acid (0.051 g, 0.22 mmol,prepared from 1-naphthylmethylamine by the method described in Example1, Part A) in in N-methylpyrrolidone(1.0 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(1 .0 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was addedO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophate(0.092 g, 0.24 mmol). After stirring for 15 min, the mixture was treatedwith(3S,4RS)-3-(valinyl)amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.100 g, 0.22 mmol) and diusopropylethylamine(115 μL, 0.66 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the crudetitle compound (0.157 g, 100%) as a viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.44.

Part G:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthylmethyl)oxamyl)valinyl]-amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.157 g, ca 0.22 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (5mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was added Dess-Martin Periodinane(0.600 g, 1.42 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with saturated NaHCO₃, and saturated NaCl solutions, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. The residue (0.175 g) waspurified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with EtOAc-hexane(3:7) to give the title compound (0.111 g, 77%) as a white solid.TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.58.

Part H:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthylmethyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoicacid, tert-butyl ester (0.108 g, 0.16 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.0mL)-anisole(0.1 mL)-water(0.05 mL) at room temperature under nitrogenwas added trifluoroacetic acid (2.0 mL). The resulting clear solutionwas stirred at room temperature for 2 hr, evaporated to dryness andchased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residue was triturated with Et₂Oto give the title compound (0.098 g, 100%) as a white solid. MS(ES) forC₂₉H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ (MW 605.54): positive 628(M+Na); negative 604(M−H).

EXAMPLES 29-74

Starting with(3S,4RS)-3-(valinyl)amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (see Example 28, Part E) and following the methodsdescribed in Example 28, Parts F through H, the compounds shown below inTable 6 were also prepared:

TABLE 6

MS(ES) Ex. R¹ Formula MW pos. neg. 29 PhCH₂ C₂₅H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ 555.48 556(M +H) 554(M − H) 578(M + Na) 30 Ph(CH₂)₂ C₂₆H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 569.51 592(M + Na)568(M − H) 31 Ph₂CH C₃₁H₂₉F₄N₃O₇ 631.58 654(M + Na) 630(M − H) 32 PhC₂₄H₂₃F₄N₃O₇ 541.46 564(M + Na) 540(M − H) 33 (2-Ph)Ph C₃₀H₂₇F₄N₃O₇617.55 640(M + Na) 616(M − H) 730(M + TFA) 34 (2-PhCH₂)Ph C₃₁H₂₉F₄N₃O₇631.58 654(M + Na) 630(M − H) 35 (3-PhO)Ph C₃₀H₂₇F₄N₃O₈ 633.55 634(M +H) 632(M − H) 656(M + Na) 36 4-Cl-1-naphthyl C₂₈H₂₄ClF₄N₃O₇ 625.96648/650 (M + Na) 624/626 (M − H) 37 2-anthryl C₃₂H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 641.57642(M + H) 640(M − H) 38 2-benzimidazolyl C₂₅H₂₃F₄N₅O₇ 581.48 582(M + H)580(M − H) 604(M + Na) 39 1-adamantanyl C₂₈H₃₃F₄N₃O₇ 599.58 600(M + H)598(M − H) 40 (2-F)Ph C₂₄H₂₂F₅N₃O₇ 559.45 582(M + Na) 558(M − H) 672(M +TFA) 41 (4-F)Ph C₂₄H₂₂F₅N₃O₇ 559.45 582(M + Na) 558(M − H) 672(M + TFA)42 (2-CF₃)Ph C₂₅H₂₂F₇N₃O₇ 609.45 632(M + Na) 608(M − H) 722(M + TFA) 43(2-t-Bu)Ph C₂₈H₃₁F₄N₃O₇ 597.56 620(M + Na) 596(M − H) 710(M + TFA) 44(4-n-heptyl)Ph C₃₁H₃₇F₄N₃O₇ 639.64 662(M + Na) 638(M − H) 45 (2-CH₃O)PhC₂₅H₂₅F₄N₃O₈ 571.48 594(M + Na) 570(M − H) 46 (2-PhO)Ph C₃₀H₂₇F₄N₃O₈633.55 656(M + Na) 632(M − H) 746(M + TFA) 47 2-naphthyl C₂₈H₂₅F₄N₃O₇591.51 614(M + Na) 590(M − H) 48 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro- C₂₈H₂₉F₄N₃O₇ 595.55618(M + Na) 594(M − H) 1-naphthyl 49 1-anthryl C₃₂H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 641.57664(M + Na) 640(M − H) 50 2-pyridinyl C₂₃H₂₂F₄N₄O₇ 542.44 543(M + H)541(M − H) 51 4-pyridinyl C₂₃H₂₂F₄N₄O₇ 542.44 543(M + H) 541(M − H) 522,3,5,6-tetrafluoro- C₂₃H₁₈F₈N₄O₇ 614.40 615(M + H) 613(M − H)4-pyridinyl 53 2-pyrazinyl C₂₂H₂₁F₄N₅O₇ 543.43 544(M + H) 542(M − H) 541,2,3,4-tetrahydro- C₂₈H₂₉F₄N₃O₇ 595.55 596(M + H) 594(M − H) 1-naphthyl618(M + Na) 708(M + TFA) 634(M + K) 55 (2-Cl)Ph C₂₄H₂₂ClF₄N₃O₇ 575.90598/600 (M + Na) 574/576 (M − H) 56 (2-Br)Ph C₂₄H₂₂BrF₄N₃O₇ 620.35644/642 (M + Na) 620/618 (M − H) 734/732 (M + TFA) 57 (2-I)PhC₂₄H₂₂F₄IN₃O₇ 667.35 690(M + Ma) 666(M − H) 706(M + K) 780(M + TFA) 58(2,6-di-F)Ph C₂₄H₂₂F₆N₃O₇ 577.44 600(M + Na) 576(M − H) 690(M + TFA) 59(2,5-di-t-Bu)Ph C₃₂H₃₉F₄N₃O₇ 653.67 654(M + H) 652(M − H) 676(M + Na)688(M + Cl) 692(M + K) 766(M + TFA) 60 5-indanyl C₂₇H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 581.52604(M + Na) 580(M − H) 620(M + K) 694(M + TFA) 61 (3,4,5-tri-C₂₈H₃₁F₄N₃O₁₀ 645.56 646(M + H) 644(M − H) MeO)PhCH₂ 668(M + Na) 684(M +K) 62 methyl C₁₉H₂₁F₄N₃O₇ 479.38 502(M + Na) 478(M − H) 592(M + TFA) 63n-heptyl C₂₅H₃₃F₄N₃O₇ 563.55 586(M + Na) 562(M − H) 602(M + K) 676(M +TFA) 64 t-octyl C₂₆H₃₅F₄N₃O₇ 577.57 600(M + Na) 576(M − H) 65cyclo-hexyl C₂₄H₂₉F₄N₃O₇ 547.50 548(M + H) 546(M − H) 570(M + Na)660(M + TFA) 586(M + K) 66 5-Ph-3-pyrazolyl C₂₇H₂₅F₄N₅O₇ 607.52 630(M +Na) 606(M − H) 646(M + K) 67 (2-F-4-I)Ph C₂₄H₂₁F₅IN₃O₇ 685.34 686(M + H)684(M − H) 708(M + Na) 720(M + Cl) 724(M + K) 68 (2,3,4,5- C₂₄H₁₉F₈N₃O₇613.41 614(M + H) 612 (M − H) tetra-F)Ph 636(M + Na) 726 (M + TFA)652(M + K) 69 (2,3,4,6- C₂₄H₁₉F₈N₃O₇ 613.41 614(M + H) 612(M − H)tetra-F)Ph 636(M + Na) 726(M + TFA) 652(M + K) 70 (2,3,5,6-C₂₄H₁₉Cl₄F₄N₃O₇ 679.23 700/702/704(M + Na) 676/678/680 (M − H)tetra-Cl)Ph 716/718/ 720(M + K) 790/792/ 794 (M + TFA) 71(2,3,4,5,6-penta- C₂₄H₁₈F₉N₃O₇ 631.40 654(M + Na) 630(M − H) F)Ph670(M + K) 666(M + Cl) 72 Ph₂N C₃₀H₂₈F₄N₄O₇ 632.57 633(M + H) 631(M − H)655(M + Na) 745(M + TFA) 73 PHCH₂(Ph)N C₃₁H₃₀F₄N₄O₇ 646.59 647(M + H)645(M − H) 669(M + Na) 681 (M + Cl) 685(M + K) 74 PhCH₂O C₂₅H₂₅F₄N₃O₇571.48 594(M + Na) 570(M − H) 684(M + TFA)

EXAMPLE 75

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-Oxopentanoic Acid

Part A: [(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Alaninyl]Aspartic Acid, β-tert-Butyl Ester

To a suspension of aspartic acid ,-tert-butyl ester (3.784 g, 20 mmol)in ylformamide (150 mL) at room temperture under nitrogen was addedbis(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (10.6 mL, 40 mmol). Afterstirring at room temperature for 30 min, the resulting clear solutionwas treated with (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)alanine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester(6.406 g, 20 mmol). After stirring at ronum temperature for anadditional 48 hrs, the mixture was treated with water (20 mL), stirredfor 15 min and then partitioned betweeen EtOAc/water. The organic phasewas washed with water, 5% KHSO₄ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. The residue was dissolvedin Et₂O and extracted with saturated NaHCO₃. The aqueous extract wasacidified (pH 2.0) with concentrated HCl and extracted with EtOAc. TheEtOAc extract was washed with saturated NaCl solution, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a give the title compound (6.463 g,82%) as a white foam. TLC(EtOAc-hexane-AcOH; 70:30:2) Rf=0.50.

Part B:(3S,4RS)-3-(Alaninyl)Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

Starting with [(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)alaninyl]aspartic acid, β-tert-butylester and following the methods described in Example 28, Parts B throughE gave the title compound as a colorless, viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane;1:1) Rf=0.06.

Part C: (3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of N-(2-tert-butylphenyl)oxamic acid (0.041 g, 0.19 mmol,prepared from 2-tert-butylaniline by the method described in Example 1,Part A) in CH₂Cl₂(6.0 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was addedhydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.030 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-l′-aminopropyl)-carboduimide hydrochloride(0.050 g, 0.26 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min, the mixturewas treated with(3S,4RS)-3-(alaninyl)amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.079 g, 0.19 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (22μL, 0.20 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the crudetitle compound (0.090 g, 77%) as a viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.70.

Part D: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-Oxopentanoic Acid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-butylphenyl)oxamyl)alaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.0.092 g, ca 0.15 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (6.5 mL) atroom temperature under nitrogen was added iodobenzene diacetate (0.188g, 0.58 mmol) folowed by a catalytic amount of2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy free radical (TEMPO, 0.0046 g, 0.03mrimol). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, the mixture waspartitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase was washed withsaturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. The residue (0.096 g) was purifiedby preparative layer chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (3:7) to give the title compound (0.071 g, 77%) as acolorless glass. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 2:3) Rf=0.60.

Part E:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)Oxamyl)AlaninylAmino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-butylphenyl)oxamyl)alaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoicacid, tert-butyl ester (0.071 g, 0.11 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.5mL)-anisole(0.05 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedtrifluoroacetic acid (1.5 mL). The resulting clear solution was stirredat room temperature for 1 hr, evaporated to dryness and chased withtoluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residue (0.061 g) was purified by preparativelayer chromatography on silica gel eluting with MeOH—CH₂Cl₂ (1:9) togive the title compound (0.044 g, 69%) as a colorless glass. MS(ES) forC₂₆H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ (MW 569.51): positive 570(M+H); negative 568(M−H).

EXAMPLES 76-87

Starting with(3S,4RS)-3-(alaninyl)amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (see Example 75, Part B) and following the methodsdescribed in Example 75, Parts C through E, the compounds shown below inTable 7 were also prepared:

TABLE 7

MS(ES) Ex. R¹ Formula MW pos. neg. 76 (2-CF₃)Ph C₂₃H₁₈F₇N₃O₇ 581.40604(M + Na) 580(M − H) 77 (2-Ph)Ph C₂₈H₂₃F₄N₃O₇ 589.50 612(M + Na) 588(M− H) 78 (2-PhCH₂)Ph C₂₉H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ 603.53 604(M + H) 602(M − H) 79(2-PhO)Ph C₂₈H₂₃F₄N₃O₈ 605.50 628(M + Na) 604(M − H) 80 (3-PhO)PhC₂₈H₂₃F₄N₃O₈ 605.50 628(M + Na) 604(M − H) 815,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthyl C₂₆H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ 567.49 590(M + Na) 566(M − H)82 1-naphthyl C₂₆H₂₁F₄N₃O₇ 563.46 586(M + Na) 562(M − H) 608(M + K) 83Ph C₂₂H₁₉F₄N₃O₇ 513.40 552(M + K) 512(M − H) 84 (2,6-di-F)PhC₂₂H₁₇F₆N₃O₇ 549.38 572(M + Na) 548(M − H) 662(M + TFA) 85 (4-Ph)PhC₂₈H₂₃F₄N₃O₇ 589.50 — 588(M − H) 86 (4-MeO)Ph C₂₃H₂₁F₄N₃O₈ 543.43582(M + K) 542(M − H) 87 Ph₂CH C₂₉H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ 603.53 642(M + K) 602(M − H)

EXAMPLE 88

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2′-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylalaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: (3S)-3-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Amino-5-Bromo-4-Oxopentanoic Acidtert-Butyl Ester

A solution of (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)aspartic acid, β-tert-butyl ester(2.28 g, 7.06 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (0.85 mL, 7.7 mmol) intetrahydrofuran (40 mL) at −10° C. (NaCl/ice bath) under nitrogen wastreated dropwise via syringe with isobutyl chloroformate (1.1 mL, 8.5mmol). After stirring at −10° C. for 20 min, the mixture was filtered(sinctered glass) into a pre-cooled receiver (ice bath) washing thefilter cake with additional tetrahydrofuran (approx.10 mL). The combinedfiltrate was treated with excess diazomethane/Et₂O solution (preparedfrom 3.10 g, 21 mmol of 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine, 20 mL 40%KOH/10 ml Et₂O) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen. After stirring at 0°C. for 15 min and at room temperature for 30 min, the reaction mixturewas again cooled to 0° C. and treated with 48% HBr(2.0 mL, 12mmol)/acetic acid(2.0 mL). After stirring at 0° C. for 15 min and atroom temperature for 15 min, the mixture was partitioned betweenEtOAc-water. The organic phase was washed with water, saturated NaHCO₃,and saturated NaCl solutions dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporatedto a dryness. Trituration with hexane gave the crude title compound(3.32 g) as a yellow oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.60 (intermediatediazoketone Rf=0.52).

Part B:(3S,4RS)-3-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S)-3-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoic acid tert-butylester (0.857 g, 2.14 mmol) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenol (0.410 g, 2.45mmol) in dimethylfonnamide (5.0 mL) at room temperature under nitrogenwas added potassium fluoride (0.40 g, 6.9 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed withsaturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and evaporated to a to give the crude tetrafluorophenoxymethylIcetone (1.08 g, 98%) as a yellow, viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.57.

To a solution of the above crude ketone (1.08 g, ca 2.14 mmol) inethanol (10 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was added sodium borohydride(0.057 g, 1.5 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 1 hr, the excessreducing agent was discharged by treatment with acetone (1.0 mL), themixture concentrated and the residue partitioned between EtOAc-halfsaturated NH₄Cl solution. The organic phase was washed with saturatedNaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andevaporated to a dryness. The residue was purified by flashchromatography on silica gel eluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:3) to give thetitle compound (1.012 g, 94%) as a colorless oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.48.

Part C:(3S,4RS)-3-[(N-9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)Cyclohexylalaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (1.012 g, 2.08 mmol) in MeOH (25 mL) was added 10%Pd—C (0.30 g) and resulting mixture stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere(balloon) for 4 hrs. The mixture was filtered through Celite washing thefilter cake with CH₂Cl₂ and the combined filtrates evaporated to givethe crude amine (0.682 g, 93%) as a viscous oil. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 5:95)Rf=0.21.

To a solution of (N-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) cyclohexylalanine (0.763g, 1.94 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(10 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen wasadded hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.282 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride(0.447 g, 2.33 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min, the mixturewas treated with the above crude amine (0.682 g, ca 1.93 mmol) and thereacton allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring at roomtemperature for 3 hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water.The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated todryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:2) to give the title compound (1.028 g, 73%) as yellowfoam. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:2) Rf=0.20.

Part D:(3S,4RS)-3-[Cyclohexylalaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

A mixture of(3S,4RS)-3-[(N-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)cyclohexylalaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (1.028 g, 1.4 mmol) and 10%piperidine/dimethylformamide (3.0 mL) was stirred at room temperatureunder nitrogen for 2 hrs. The mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washedwith water and saturated NaHCO₃ solution, dried over anhydrous anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flashchromatography eluting with isopropanol-CH₂Cl₂ (7:93) to give the titlecompound (0.561 g, 78%) as a white solid. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 5:95)Rf=0.43.

Part E:(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(2′-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylalaninyl]-Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of N-(2-phenoxyphenyl)oxamic acid (0.064 g, 0.25 mmol,prepared from 2-phenoxyaniline by the method described in Example 1,Part A) and(3S,4RS)-3-[cyclohexylalaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicAcid tert-butyl ester (0.124 g, 0.245 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(5.0 mL) at 0° C.(ice bath) under nitrogen was added hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.051g) followed by 1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimidehydrochloride (0.061 g, 0.32 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 minand at room temperature for 18 hrs, the mixture was partitioned betweenEtOAc-water. The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄,saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and evaporated to give the crude title compound (0.194 g) asyellow foam. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:2) Rf=0.40.

Part F:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2′-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylalaninyl]-Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of crude (3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(2′-phenoxyphenyl)oxamyl)cyclohexylalaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.194 g, ca 0.245 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was added Dess-Martin Periodinane (0.150 g,0.35 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 2 hrs, the mixturewas diluted with EtOAc, washed with 1.0 M Na₂S₂O₃, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated toa dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silicagel eluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:3) to give the title compound (0.142 g,80%) as a colorless, viscous oil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:2) Rf=0.50.

Part G:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2′-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylalaninyl]-Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoxypentanoicAcid

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2′-phenoxyphenyl)oxamyl)cyclohexylalaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid, tert-butyl ester (0.142 g,0.19 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.0 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen wasadded trifluoroacetic acid (1.0 mL). The resulting clear solution wasstirred at room temperature for 0.5 hr, evaporated to dryness and chasedwith toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1) to give the title compound (0.123 g, 93%) as awhite foam. MS(ES) for C₃₄H₃₃F₄N₃08 (MW 687.64): positive 688(M+H),710(M+Na), 726(M+K); negative 686(M−H), 800(M+TFA).

EXAMPLES 89-91

Starting with (3S,4RS)-3-[cyclohexylalaninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoro-phenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoic acid tert-butyl ester(see Example 88, Part D) and following the methods described in Example88, Parts E through G, the compounds shown below in Table 8 were alsoprepared:

TABLE 8

MS(ES) Ex. R¹ Formula MW pos. neg. 89 (2-Ph)Ph C₃₄H₃₃F₄N₃O₇ 671.64672(M + H) 670(M − H) 694(M + Na) 784(M + TFA) 90 (2-PhCH₂)PhC₃₅H₃₅F₄N₃O₇ 685.67 708(M + Na) 684(M − H) 798(M + TFA) 91 1-naphthylC₃₂H₃₁F₄N₃O₇ 645.61 668(M + Na) 644(M − H) 758(M + TFA)

EXAMPLE 92

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)-Cyclohexylalaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,6′-Dichlorobenzoyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: Aspartic Acid, β-tert-Butyl, α-Methyl Ester p-ToluenesulfonateSalt

To a solution of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic acid, β-tert-butylester 10.57 g, 32.7 mmol) in methanol(20 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(30 mL) at 0° C. (icebath) was added wise a 2.0 M solution of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane inhexanes (20 mL, 40 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 45 min, the excessreagent was quenced with formic acid (1.0 mL). The mixture was washedwith saturated NaHCO₃ solution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andevaporated to a pale yellow oil (11.34 g).

The crude product (11.34 g, ca 32.7 mmol) was taken up in methanol (100mL), treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid mono hydrate (6.20 g, 32.6mmol) and 10% Pd—C (0.5 g) and stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere(balloon) for 3 hrs. The mixture was filtered through Celite andconcentrated to give the title compound as a white solid (12.68 g).

Part B: [(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)Cyclohexylalaninyl]Aspartic Acid,β-tert-Butyl, α-Methyl Ester

To a solution of (N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-cyclohexylalaninedicyclohexylamine salt (0.866 g, 1.77 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(10 mL) at 0° C.(ice bath) under nitrogen was added hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.100g) followed by 1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimidehydrochloride (0.41 g, 2.14 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min,the mixture was treated with aspartic acid, β-tert-butyl, α-methyl esterp-toluenesulfonate salt (0.665 g, 1.77 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (0.2mL, 1.8 mmol), and the reacton allowed to warm to room temperature.After stirring at room temperature for 2.5 hrs, the mixture wasconcentrated and the residue partitioned between EtOAc-water. Theorganic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated toan oil. Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:3) gave the title compound (0.764 g, 88%) as a viscousoil. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:2) Rf=0.46.

Part C: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)-Cyclohexylalaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,6′-Dichlorobenzoyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Starting with [(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)cyclohexyl-alaninyl]aspartic acid,β-tert-butyl, α-methyl ester and following the general methods describedin Example 4, Parts B through H, gave the title compound as a whitesolid. MS(ES) for C₃₃H₃₇Cl₂N₃O₈ (MW 674.58): positive 696/698(M+Na).negative 672/674(M−H), 786/788(M+TFA).

EXAMPLES 93-99

Starting with [(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)cyclohexyl-alaninyl]aspartic acid,β-tert-butyl, α-methyl ester (see Example 92, Part B), and following thegeneral methods described in Example 4, Parts B through H, the compoundsshown below in Table 9 were also prepared:

TABLE 9

MS(ES) Ex. R¹ B Formula MW pos. neg. 93 5,6,7,8- CH₂O(2,3,5,6-C₃₂H₃₅F₄N₃O₇ 649.64 672(M + Na) 648(M − H) tetrahydro-1- tetra-F-Ph)naphthyl 94 5,6,7,8- CH₂OPO(Me)Ph C₃₃H₄₂N₃O₈P 639.68 662(M + Na) 638(M −H) tetrahydro-1- 752(M + TFA) naphthyl 95 5,6,7,8- CH₂OPOPh₂ C₃₈H₄₄N₃O₈P701.75 724(M + Na) 700(M + H) tetrahydro-1- 740(M + K) naphthyl 96(2-PhCH₂)Ph CH₂OPO(Me)Ph C₃₆H₄₂N₃O₈P 675.72 698(M + Na) 674(M − H)714(M + K) 788(M + TFA) 97 (2-PhCH₂)Ph CH₂OPOPh₂ C₄₁H₄₄N₃O₈P 737.79760(M + Na) 736(M − H) 776(M + K) 850(M + TFA) 98 (2-Ph)Ph CH₂OPO(Me)PhC₄₀H₄₂N₃O₈P 661.68 684(M + Na) 660(M − H) 700(M + K) 774(M + TFA) 99(2-Ph)Ph CH₂OPOPh₂ C₃₅H₄₀N₃O₈P 723.75 746(M + Na) 722(M − H) 762(M + K)836(M + TFA)

EXAMPLE 100

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: [N-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl]Homoproline

To a solution of N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid (0.108 g, 0.50 mmol, seeExample 1, Part A) in in N-methylpyrrolidone(1.0 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL) atroom temperature under nitrogen was addedO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophate(0.209 g, 0.55 mmol). After stirring for 20 min, the mixture was treatedwith homoproline methyl ester (0.072 g, 0.50 mmol) anddiisopropylethylamine (0.26 mL, 1.5 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 4 hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water.The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated togive crude [N-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl]homoproline (0.156 g, 92%) as acolorless glass. TLC (EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.70.

To a solution of the crude methyl ester (0.156 g, ca 0.46 mmol) indioxane(0.75 mL)-water(0.25 mL) was added 1.0 N LiOH solution (0.5 mL,0.5 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 1 hr, the mixture wasacidified with 1.0 N HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The extract waswashed with saturated NaCl solution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andevaporated to give the title compound (0.105 g, 70%) as a white solidafter trituration with Et₂O.

Part B:(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of [N-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl]homoproline (0.483 g, 1.48 mmol)in in N-methylpyrrolidone(0.5 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(14 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogenwas added O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophate (0.676 g, 1.78 mmol). After stirring for 20 min, themixture was treated with a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.540 g, 1.54 mmol, see Example 49, Part C) inCH₂Cl₂ (4.0 mL) followed by diusopropylethylamine (0.50 mL, 2.9 mmol).After stirring at 0° C. for 3 hrs and at room temperature for 16 hrs,the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness.Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:2) gave the title compound (0.268 g, 27%) as a tan foam.TLC (EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.39.

Part C:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)homoprolinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.251 g, 0.38 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (4 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was added Dess-Martin Periodinane (0.201 g,0.475 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, the mixturewas diluted with EtOAc, washed with 1.0 M Na₂S₂O₃, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated toa dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silicagel eluting with CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O-hexane (1:2:2) then EtOAc-hexane (1:2) togive the title compound (0.160 g, 64%) as a white foam.TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1)Rf=0.57.

Part D: (3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N ′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3 ′,5 ′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-Oxoypentanoic Acid

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)homoprolinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.152 g, 0.23 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL)-anisole(0.4mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was added trifluoroacetic acid(1.0 mL). The resulting clear solution was stirred at room temperaturefor 1 hr, evaporated to dryness and chased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1).The residue was triturated with hexane to give the title compound (0.103g, 74%) as an off-white solid. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:9) Rf=0.33. MS(ES) forC₂₉H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ (MW 603.53): positive 626(M+Na); negative 602(M−H).

EXAMPLE 101

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Indoline-2-Carbonyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A: [N-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl]Indoline-2-Carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester

To a solution of N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid (2.37 g, 11 mmol, see Example1, Part A) in in N-methylpyrrolidone(7.0 mL)-CH₂Cl₂(40 mL) at 0° C. (icebath) under nitrogen was added 1,1′-carbonylduimidazole (1.96 g, 12.1mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 1.5 hrs and at room temperature for0.5 hrs, (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester hydrochloride (1.25g, 5.5 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (1.1 mL, 6.4 mmol) was added.After stirring at room temperature for 18 hrs, the mixture was dilutedwith EtOAc, washed successively with 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated todryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography onsilica gel eluting with CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O-hexane (1:1:3) to give the titlecompound (0.472 g, 22%) as a pale yellow oil. TLC(CH₂Cl₂-Et₂O-hexane;1:1:3) Rf=0.48.

Part B:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)lndoline-2-Carbonyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Starting from [N-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl]indoline-2-carboxylic Acid ethylester, and following the methods described in Example 100, Parts Athrough D, the title compound was also prepared. MS(ES) for C₃₂H₂₃F₄N₃O₇(MW 637.54): positive 660(M+Na),676(M+K); negative 636(M−H),672(M+Cl),750(M+TFA).

EXAMPLE 102

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylglycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A:(3S,4RS)-3-[(N-9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)Cyclohexylglycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of (N-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) cyclohexylglycine (0.514g, 1.35 mmol) and(3S,4RS)-3-amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.479 g, 1.36 mmol, see Example 88, Part C) inCH₂Cl₂(10 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen was addedO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophate(0.619 g, 1.62 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (0.47 mL, 2.7 mmol).After stirring at 0° C. for 3 hrs, the reaction was allowed to warm toroom temperature. After stirring at room temperature for 16 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with EtOAc-hexane(1:2) to give the title compound (0.481 g, 50%) as a white solid.TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:2) Rf=0.42.

Part B:(3S,4RS)-3-[Cyclohexylglycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

A solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[(N-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)cyclohexylglycinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.478 g, 0.67 mmol) in piperidine(0.1mL)/dimethylformamide(2.0 mL) was stirred at room temperature undernitrogen for 1 hr. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with waterand saturated NaCl solution, dried over anhydrous anhydrous Na₇SO₄ andevaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatographyeluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:2) to give the title compound (0.121 g,45%) as a white solid. TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 5:95) Rf=0.38.

Part C:(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylglycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of N-(1-naphthyl)oxamic acid (0.088 g, 0.41 mmol, seeExample 1, Part A) and(3S,4RS)-3-(cyclohexylglycinyl)amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.110 g, 0.27 mmol) in N-methylpyrrolidone(0.5mL)-CH₂Cl₂(3.0 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was addedO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophate(0.125 g, 0.32 mmol) and diusopropylethylamine (90 μL, 0.54 mmol). Afterstirring at 0° C. for 3 hrs and at room temperature for 16 hrs, themixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phase waswashed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaClsolutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dyness. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withEtOAc-hexane (1:2) to give the title compound (0.094 g, 50%) as a whitefoam. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:1) Rf=0.50.

Part D:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylglycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)cyclohexylglycinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.082 g, 0.12 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1 mL)-CH₃CN(2mL)-DMSO(0.2 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedDess-Martin Periodinane (0.145 g, 0.34 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 1 hr, the mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with1.0 M Na₂S₂O₃, saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. The residue was purifiedby flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:2then 1:1) to give the title compound (0.068 g, 83%) as a tan foam.TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1: 1) Rf=0.63.

Part E: (3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Cyclohexylglycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoypentanoicAcid

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)_cyclohexylglycinyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.065 g, 0.23 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL)-anisole(0.2mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was added trifluoroacetic acid(1.0 mL). The resulting clear solution was stirred at room temperaturefor 30 min, evaporated to dryness and chased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1).The residue was triturated with Et₂O to give the title compound (0.034g, 56%) as an off-white solid. TLC(MeOH—AcOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:32) Rf=0.45.MS(ES) for C₃₁H₂₉F₄N₃O₇ (MW 631.58): positive 654(M+Na); negative630(M−H).

EXAMPLES 103-109

Starting from(3S,4RS)-3-amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxy-pentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (see Example 88, Part C) and following the generalmethods described in Example 102, Parts A through E, the compounds shownbelow in Table 10 were also prepared:

TABLE 10

MS(ES) Ex. A Formula MW pos. neg. 103 norleucine C₂₉H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 605.54628(M + Na) 604(M − H) 644(M + K) 640(M + Cl) 718(M + TFA) 104(t-butyl)glycine C₂₉H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 605.54 606(M + H) 604(M − H) 628(M + Na)640(M + Cl) 644(M + K) 718(M + TFA) 105 (t-butyl)alanine C₂₀H₂₉F₄N₃O₇619.57 620(M + H) 618(M − H) 642(M + Na) 732(M + TFA) 658(M + K) 106phenylglycine C₃₁H₂₃F₄N₃O₇ 625.53 626(M + H) 624(M − H) 648(M + Na)660(M + Cl) 664(M + K) 738(M + TFA) 107 phenylalanine C₃₂H₂₅F₄N₃O₇639.56 640(M + H) 638(M − H) 662(M + Na) 674(M + Cl) 678(M + K) 712(M +TFA) 108 homophenylalanine C₃₃H₂₇F₄N₃O₇ 653.59 654(M + H) 652(M − H)676(M + Na) 688(M + Cl) 692(M + K) 766(M + TFA) 109 1-aminocyclopentaneC₂₉H₂₅F₄N₃O₇ 603.53 626(M + Na) 602(M + H) carboxylic acid 642(M + K)

EXAMPLE 110

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Methioninyl(Sulfoxide)]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid

Part A:(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Methioninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-HydroxypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

Starting from (N-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) methionine and followingthe methods described in Example 102, Parts A through C, the titlecompound was also prepared. TLC(EtOAc-hexane; 1:2) Rf=0.39.

Part B:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Methioninyl(Sulfoxide)]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoypentanoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of(3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)methioninyl]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-hydroxypentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.251 g, 0.37 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(4.0 mL) at roomtemperature under nitrogen was added Dess-Martin Periodinane (0.203 g,0.48 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 1 hr, the mixture wasdiluted with EtOAc, washed with 1.0 M Na₂S₂O₃, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated toa dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silicagel eluting with EtOAc-hexane (1:2 then 1:1) followed by MeOH—CH₂Cl₂(5:95 then 1:9) to give a mixture of two isomeric sulfoxides (0.225 g);TLC(MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:9) Rf's 0.48 and 0.43. The mixture wasre-chromatograhed on silica gel eluting with isopropanol-CH₂Cl₂ (2.5% to5% to 10%) to give sulfoxide isomer A (less polar, 0.051 g), sulfoxideisomer B (more polar, 0.086 g) and a mixture of isomers A and B (0.040g). Both isomers have virtually identical mass spectra. MS(ES) forC₃₂H₃₃F₄N₃O₈S (MW 695.68): positive 718(M+Na); negative 694(M−H).

Part C: (3S,4RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Methioninyl(Sulfoxide)]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxoypentanoicAcid

To a solution of (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)methioninyl(sulfoxide)]amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-oxopentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (isomer A, 0.046 g, 0.07 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.0mL)-anisole(0.1 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was addedtrifluoroacetic acid (1.0 mL). The resulting clear solution was stirredat room temperature for 30 min, evaporated to dryness and chased withtoluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residue was triturated with Et₂O-hexane togive the title compound, isomer A (0.034 g, 81%) as an off-white solid.TLC(MeOH—AcOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:32) Rf=0.20. MS(ES) for C₂₈H₂₅F₄N₃O₈S (MW639.57): positive 640(M+H),662(M+Na),678(M+K); negative 638(M−H),752(M+TFA). Under the same conditions sulfoxide isomer B (0.081 g, 0.12mmol) gave the title compound, isomer B (0.055 g, 74%). MS(ES) forC₂₈H₂₅F₄N₃O₈S (MW 639.57): positive 640(M+H),662(M+Na),678(M+K);negative 638(M−H),674(M+Cl), 752(M+TFA).

EXAMPLE 111

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid

Part A:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid(tert)-Butyl Ester Semicarbazone

To a solution of [N-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl]homoproline (0.103 g, 0.32 mmol,see Example 100, Part A) in CH₂Cl₂ (3.0 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen wasadded was added hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.058 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride(0.91 g, 0.47 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min, the mixture wastreated with (3S)-amino-4-oxobutanoic acid (tert)-butyl estersemicarbazone, p-toluenesulfonate salt (0.127 g, 0.32 mmol) andN-methylmorpholine (42 μL, 0.38 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 2hrs, the mixture was concentrated and the residue partitioned betweenEtOAc-5% KHSO₄. The organic phase was washed with 5% KHSO₄, saturatedNaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andevaporated to give the crude title compound (0.119 g, 70%) as acolorless glass.

Part B:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic AcidSemicarbazone

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)homoprolinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acidsemicarbazone tert-butyl ester (0.119 g, 0.21 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.0mL)-anisole(0.05 mL)-water(0.05 mL) at room temperature under nitrogenwas added trifluoroacetic acid (0.32 mL). The resulting clear solutionwas stirred at room temperature for 18 hrs, evaporated to dryness andchased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residue was triturated with Et2Oto give the title compound (0.079 g, 74%) as a white solid.

Part C:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Homoprolinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid

A suspension of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-naphthyl)oxamyl)homoprolinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acidsemicarbazone (0.079 g, 0.16 mmol) in 37% aqueous formaldehyde(0.6mL)-acetic acid(0.6 mL)-methanol(1.8 mL) was stirred at room temperatureunder nitrogen for 18 hrs. The resulting clear solution was diluted withwater and mixture concentrated on a rotovap. The aqueous solution wasthen frozen and lyophilized. The residue was taken up in methanol,filtered through Celite and filtrate evaporated to dryness. Triturationof the residue with Et₂O gave the title compound (0.037 g, 53%) as awhite solid. MS(ES) for C₂₂H₂₃N₃O₆ (MW 425.44): positive 448(M+Na);negative 424(M−H).

EXAMPLE 112

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid

Part A: 2-(1′-Phenylmethyl-5′-Tetrazolyl)Aniline Hydrochloride

A solution of 2-cyano-acetanilide (0.801 g, 5.0 mmol) and tri-n-butyltinazide (2.05 mL, 7.5 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (10 mL) was heated atreflux for 48 hrs. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperatureand treated with 2.0 N HCl in Et₂O (5.0 mL). The resulting precipate wascollected by suction, washed with hexane and dried in vacuo to give2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)acetanilide (0.917 g, 90%) as a white solid.

To a suspension of 2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)acetanilide (0.203 g, 1.0 mmol)in tetrahydrofuran (2.0 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was addedtriethylamine (0.170 mL, 1.2 mmol) and benzyl bromide (0.125 mL, 1.05mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 3 hrs and at room temperature for 16hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water. The organic phasewas washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and saturated NaCl solutions, driedover anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to a dryness. The residue wastriturated with hexane to give2-(1′-phenylmethyl-5′-tetrazolyl)acetanilide (0.218 g, 74%) as a whitesolid. ¹H-NMR indicates that the product is a single regioisomer.Assignment of regiochemistry should be considered tentative.¹H-NMR(CDCl₃): δ2.22 ppm (3H,s), 5.84 (2H,s), 7.16 (1H, dt, J=7.8, 1.5Hz), 7.40 (6H, m), 8.19 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 8.63 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz).10.58 (1H, bs).

A mixture of 2-(1 ′-phenylmethyl-5′-tetrazolyl)acetanilide (0.216 g,0.74 mmol) and 10% aqueous HCl (3.0 mL) was refluxed for 18 hrs. Themixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue triturated with Et₂Oto give the title compound (0.187 g, 88%) as a white solid.

Part B: N-[2-(l ′-Phenylmethyl-5′-Tetrazolyl)Phenyl]Oxamic Acid

To a solution of 2-(1′-phenylmethyl-5′-tetrazolyl)aniline hydrochloride(0.177 g, 0.615 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.008 g, 0.065 mmol) andtriethylamine (0.19 mL, 1.4 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (1.0 mL) at 0° C. (ice bath)under nitrogen was added methyl oxalyl chloride (62 μL, 0.67 mmol).After stirring at 0° C. for 2 hrs, the mixture was allowed to come toroom temperature, stirred for 18 hrs and then partitioned betweenEtOAc-5% KHSO₄. The organic phase was washed with saturated NaClsolution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness.

The crude methyl ester (0.207 g, ca 0.615 mmol) was taken up in dioxane(2.0 mL) and treated with 1.0 N LiOH solution (0.68 mL, 0.68 mmol) andstirred at room temperature for 1 hr. The mixture was acidified with 1.0N HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The extract was washed with saturatedNaCl solution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness.Trituration of the crude product with hexane gave the title compound(0.121 g, 61%) as a white solid.

Part C:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1′-Phenylmethyl-5′-Tetrazolyl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid Semicarbazone tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of N-[2-(1′-phenylmethyl-5′-tetrazolyl)phenyl]oxamic acid(0.065 g, 0.20 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(2.0 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen was addedhydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.037 g) followed by1-ethyl-3-(3′,3′-dimethyl-1′-aminopropyl)carboduimide hydrochloride(0.058 g, 0.30 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 min, the mixturewas treated with (3S)-3-(valinyl)amino-4-oxobutanoic acid (tert)-butylester semicarbazone (0.066 g, 0.20 mmol, prepared by the methoddescribed for the corresponding leucine analogue in Example 1, Parts Band C) and N-methylmorpholine (26 μL, 0.24 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hrs, the mixture was partitioned between EtOAc-water.The organic phase was washed with water, 5% KHSO₄, saturated NaHCO₃ andsaturated NaCl solutions, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated togive the crude title compound (0.090 g, 62%) as a colorless glass.

Part D:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1′H-5′-Tetrazolyl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid Semicarbazone tert-Butyl Ester

To a solution of crude(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(I′-phenylmethyl-5′-tetrazolyl)phenyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoicacid semicarbazone tert-butyl ester (0.089 g, ca.0.14 mmol) in MeOH (1.0mL) was added 10% Pd—C (0.009 g) and resulting mixture stirred under ahydrogen atmosphere (balloon) for 48 hrs. The mixture was filteredthrough Celite washing the filter cake with CH₂Cl₂ and the combinedfiltrates evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated with Et₂O togive the title product (0.060 g, 79%) as a white solid.

Part E:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1′H-5′-Tetrazolyl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid Semicarbazone

To a solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1′H-5′-tetrazolyl)phenyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.058, 0.11 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂(1.0 mL)-anisole(0.05mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was added 6.0 M HCl/AcOH (1.0mL). The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 18 hrs,evaporated to dryness and chased with toluene-CH₂Cl₂ (1:1). The residuewas triturated with Et₂O to give the title compound (0.048 g, 92%) as awhite solid.

Part F: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1′H-5′-Tetrazolyl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid

A solution of(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1′H-5′-tetrazolyl)phenyl)oxamyl)valinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoicacid semicarbazone (0.048 g, 0.10 mmol) in 37% aqueous formaldehyde(0.4mL)-acetic acid(0.4 mL)-methanol(1.2 mL) was stirred at room temperatureunder nitrogen for 18 hrs. The resulting clear solution was diluted withwater and mixture concentrated on a rototvap. The aqueous solution wasthen frozen and lyophilized. The residue was taken up in methanol,filtered through Celite and filtrate evaporated to dryness. Triturationof the residue with Et₂O gave the title compound (0.025 g, 59%) as awhite solid. MS(ES) for C₁₈H₂₁N₇O₆ (MW 431.41): positive 454(M+Na);negative 430(M−H).

EXAMPLE 113

(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Adamantanyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid

Part A: (3S)-3-[N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycabonyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid (tert-Butyl) EsterSemicarbazonyl-4-[2′-(4-Ethyl-Phenoxyacetyl)]Aminomethylpolystrene

Aminomethylpolystryene resin (10.0 g, 100-200 mesh, 0.71 meq/g) wasplaced in a 200 mL filter tube equipped with a vacuum stopcock and glassfrit and washed successively with CH₂Cl₂(50 mL)/dimethylformamide(50mL), diisopropylethylamine(5 mL)/dimethylformamide(30 mL),dimethylformamide (2×50 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (30 mL). The resin wassuspended in tetrahydrofuran(20 mL)/N-methylpyrolidinone(20 mL) withnitrogen agitation through the bottom of the frit and treated withdiiospropylethylamine (1.9 mL, 10.9 mmol) and(3S)-3-(9-fluorenylmethoxycabonyl)amino-4-oxobutanoic acid (tert-butyl)ester semicarbazonyl-4-[2′-(4-ethyl-phenoxyacetic acid)] (2.24 g, 3.56mmol). After all of the solid had dissolved (approx. 10 min), themixture was treated with pyBOP[benzotriazolyloxy-tris(N-pyrolidinyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate,2.78 g, 5.34 mmol) in one portion. After mixing by nitrogen agitationfor 3 hrs, the supernatant was removed by suction and the resin washedsuccesively with tetrahydrofuran (2×50 mL), dimethylformamide (3×50 mL)and CH₂Cl₂ (2×50 mL). Unreacted amine groups were capped by treatmentwith a mixture of acetic anhydride(10 mL)/dimethylformamide(30mL)/diisopropylethylamine(1.0 mL). After mixing by nitrogen agitationfor 1 hr, the supernatant was removed by suction and the resin washedwith dimethylformamide(4×50 mL).

The resin was treated with piperidine(10 mL)/ dimethylformamide(40 ml,)and mixed by nitrogen agitation for 1 hr. The supernatant was removed bysuction and the resin washed with dimethylformamide(4×50 mL) andtetrahydrofuran (50 mL).

The resin was suspended in tetrahydrofuran(20mL)/N-methylpyrolidinone(20 mL), treated withN-(9-fluorenylmethoxycabonyl)valine (3.63 g, 10.7 mmol),diisopropylethylamine (5.7 mL, 32.7 mmol) and pyBOP (8.34 g, 16.0 mmol)and mixed by nitrogen agitation for 2.5 hrs. The supematant was removedby suction and the resin washed succesively with dimethylformamide (3×40mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (3×40 mL), methanol (2×40 mL) and Et₂O (2×40 mL). Theresin was dried in vacuo to give the title product (12.69 g,quanitative). Based on the starting semicarbazone-acid, the resinloading was calculated as approximately 0.28 meq/g.

Part B: (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Adamantanyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid

An aliquot of the Part A resin (0.125 g, ca 0.035 mmol) was placed in a6 mL Supelco™ fitration tube equipped with a 201 μm polyethylene frit,treated with piperidine-dimethylformamide (1.0 mL, 1:4 v/v) and mixed onan orbital shaker for 1 hr. The supernatant was removed by suction andthe resin washed with dimethylformamide (4×1.0 mL) and CH₂Cl, (3×1.0mL). The resin was treated with 0.5M iPr₂NEt in N-methylpyrolidinone(0.40 mL, 0.20 mmol), (1-adamantanyl)oxamic acid (0.0246 g, 0.11 mmol)and 0.25M O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophate in N-methylpyrolidinone (0.40 mL, 0.10 mmol). Themixture was mixed on an orbital shaker under an nitrogen atmosphere for16 hrs. The supernatant was removed by suction and the resin washedsuccesively with dimethylformamide (3×1.0 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (3×1.0 mL),methanol (2×1.0 mL) and Et₂O(2×1.0 mL).

The resin was treated with 1.0 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and allowed to re-swell for15 min. The solvent was removed by suction and the resin treated withtrifluoroacetic acid-CH₂Cl₂-anisole (1.0 mL, 4:3:1 v/v/v). After mixingon an orbital shaker under nitrogen for 5.5 hrs, the supernatant wasremoved by suction and the resin washed with CH₂Cl₂ (4×1.0 mL). Theresin was treated with 37% aqueous formaldehyde-aceticacid-tetrahydrofuran-trifluoroacetic acid (1.0 mL, 1:1:5:0.025 v/v/v/v)and mixed on an orbital shaker under nitrogen for 4.5 hrs. Thesupematant was collected by suction, the resin washed withtetrahydrofuran (3×0.5 mL). The combined filtrates were blown down undernitrogen. The residue was taken up in methanol (0.5 mL), filtered andapplied directly to a 3 mL Supelco™ LC-18 reverse phase extraction tubewhich had been pre-conditioned with water, and eluted successively with3 mL each of 10% MeOH-water, 30% MeOH-water, 60% MeOH-water and 90%MeOH-water. The product-containing fractions (TLC) were combined andevaporated to dryness to give the title compound (0.0114 g, 77%) as acolorless glass. TLC(AcOH—MeOH—CH₂Cl₂; 1:1:20) Rf=0.23. MS(ES) forC₂₁H₃₁N₃O₆ (MW 421.49): positive 444(M+Na), 460(M+K); negative 420(M−H),534(M+TFA).

EXAMPLES 114-127

Starting with(3S)-3-[N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycabonyl)valinyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acid(tert-butyl) estersemicarbazonyl-4-[2′-(4-ethyl-phenoxyacetyl)]aminomethylpolystrene (seeExample 113, Part A) and following the methods described in Example 113,Part B, the compounds shown below in Table 11 were also prepared:

TABLE 11

MS(ES) Ex. R¹ Formula MW pos. neg. 114 Ph C₁₇H₂₁N₃O₆ 363.37 386(M + Na)362(M − H) 402(M + K) 115 PhCH₂ C₁₈H₂₃N₃O₆ 377.40 400(M + Na) 376(M − H)116 Ph(CH₂)₂ C₁₉H₂₅N₃O₆ 391.42 414(M + Na) 390(M − H) 430(M + K) 504(M +TFA) 117 (2-CF₃)Ph C₁₈H₂₀F₃N₃O₆ 431.37 454(M + Na) 430(M − H) 118(2-t-Bu)Ph C₂₁H₂₉N₃O₆ 419.48 442(M + Na) 418(M − H) 458(M + K) 532(M +TFA) 119 (2-Ph)Ph C₂₃H₂₅N₃O₆ 439.47 462(M + Na) 438(M − H) 478(M + K)552(M + TFA) 120 (2-PhCH₂)Ph C₂₄H₂₇N₃O₆ 453.49 476(M + Na) 452(M − H)492(M + K) 566(M + TFA) 121 (2-PhO)Ph C₂₃H₂₅N₃O₇ 455.47 478(M + Na)454(M − H) 494(M + K) 568(M + TFA) 122 2-naphthyl C₂₁H₂₃N₃O₆ 413.43436(M + Na) 412(M − H) 452(M + K) 526(M + TFA) 123 1-naphthyl C₂₁H₂₃N₃O₆413.43 436(M + Na) 412(M − H) 452(M + K) 526(M + TFA) 1244-Cl-1-naphthyl C₂₁H₂₂ClN₃O₆ 447.87 470/472 (M + Na) 446/448 (M − H)486/488 (M + K) 125 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1- C₂₁H₂₇N₃O₆ 417.46 440(M + Na)416(M − H) naphthyl 456(M + K) 530(M + TFA) 126 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-C₂₁H₂₇N₃O₆ 417.46 440(M + Na) 416(M − H) naphthyl 456(M + K) 530(M +TFA) 127 (1-naphthyl)CH₂ C₂₂H₂₅N₃O₆ 427.46 450(M + Na) 426(M − H)466(M + K) 540(M + TFA)

2 1 4 PRT Artificial Sequence Substrate for the Interleukin ConvertingEnzyme assay 1 Tyr Val Ala Asp 1 2 4 PRT Artificial Sequence Substratefor the CPP32, Mch2, Mch3 and Mch5 assays 2 Asp Glu Val Asp 1

Although the invention has been described with reference to the examplesprovided above, it should be understood that various modifications canbe made without departing from the spirit of the invention, Accordingly,the invention is limited only by the claims.

We claim:
 1. A compound of the following Formula I:

wherein: A is has the following Formula IIa:

B is hydrogen, halomethyl, CH₂ZR¹⁵ wherein Z is oxygen, or CH₂OPOR¹⁶R¹⁷;R¹ is alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl,phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, (1or 2 naphthyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl,(heteroaryl)alkyl, substituted (heteroaryl)alkyl or R^(1a)(R^(1b))N;R^(1a) and R^(1b) are phenyl; R² is hydrogen; R³ is C₁₋₆ lower alkyl;R^(3a) is hydrogen; R¹⁵ is substituted phenyl; and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ areindependently lower alkyl or phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is phenyl.
 3. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is substituted phenyl.
 4. The compound ofclaim 3 wherein R¹ is 2-halophenyl.
 5. The compound of claim 4 whereinR¹ is 2-fluorophenyl.
 6. The compound of claim 4 wherein R¹ is2-chlorophenyl.
 7. The compound of claim 4 wherein R¹ is 2-bromophenyl.8. The compound of claim 4 wherein R¹ is 2-iodophenyl.
 9. The compoundof claim 3 wherein R¹ is 4-halophenyl.
 10. The compound of claim 9wherein R¹ is 4-fluorophenyl.
 11. The compound of claim 9 wherein R¹ is4-chlorophenyl.
 12. The compound of claim 9 wherein R¹ is 4-bromophenyl.13. The compound of claim 9 wherein R¹ is 4-iodophenyl.
 14. The compoundof claim 3 wherein R¹ is 2,6-difluorophenyl.
 15. The compound of claim 3wherein R¹ is 2,6-dichlorophenyl.
 16. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹is 2,4-difluorobenzyl.
 17. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenyl.
 18. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-trifluoromethylphenyl.
 19. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is3-trifluoromethylphenyl.
 20. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-methoxyphenyl.
 21. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is4-methoxyphenyl.
 22. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is3,4-dimethoxybenzyl.
 23. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl.
 24. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-phenyiphenyl.
 25. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-benzylphenyl.
 26. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-tert-butylphenyl.
 27. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2,5-di-tert-butylphenyl.
 28. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-tert-butyl-5-acetaminophenyl.
 29. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹is 2-(2-methylphenyl)phenyl.
 30. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-(2-methoxyphenyl)phenyl.
 31. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is3-(3-methoxyphenyl)phenyl.
 32. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is3-(4-methoxyphenyl)phenyl.
 33. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-(3-methylphenyl)phenyl.
 34. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-(4-methylphenyl)phenyl.
 35. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-phenoxyphenyl.
 36. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is4-(n-heptyl)phenyl.
 37. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is2-(1-naphthyl)phenyl.
 38. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ isnaphthyl.
 39. The compound of claim 38 wherein R¹ is 1-naphthyl.
 40. Thecompound of claim 38 wherein R¹ is 2-naphthyl.
 41. The compound of claim1 wherein R¹ is substituted naphthyl.
 42. The compound of claim 41wherein R¹ is 1-(4-chloro)naphthyl.
 43. The compound of claim 1 whereinR¹ is phenylalkyl.
 44. The compound of claim 43 wherein R¹ is benzyl.45. The compound of claim 43 wherein R¹ is —(CH₂)₂phenyl.
 46. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is substituted phenylalky.
 47. Thecompound of claim 46 wherein R¹ is 2-tert-butylbenzyl.
 48. The compoundof claim 46 wherein R¹ is 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl.
 49. The compound ofclaim 46 wherein R¹ is —CH₂CH₂(2-fluorophenyl).
 50. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein R¹ is cycloalkyl.
 51. The compound of claim 50 whereincycloalkyl is a bicyclic ring.
 52. The compound of claim 51 wherein thebicyclic ring is partially unsaturated.
 53. The compound of claim 52wherein the partially unsaturated bicyclic ring is1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro)naphthalene.
 54. The compound of claim 50 whereincycloalkyl is a tricyclic ring.
 55. The compound of claim 54 wherein thetricyclic ring is 1-adamantanyl.
 56. The compound of claim 54 whereinthe tricyclic ring is partially unsaturated.
 57. The compound of claim 1wherein R¹ is (1 or 2naphthyl)alkyl.
 58. The compound of claim 57wherein R¹ is —CH₂(1-naphthyl).
 59. The compound of claim 57 wherein R¹is —CH₂(2-naphthyl).
 60. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ isheteroaryl.
 61. The compound of claim 60 wherein R¹ is 4-pyridyl. 62.The compound of claim 60 wherein R¹ is 2-pyrazinyl.
 63. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein R¹ is R^(1a)(R^(1b))N.
 64. The compound of claim 1wherein B is hydrogen.
 65. The compound of claim 1 wherein B ishalomethyl.
 66. The compound of claim 65 wherein B is —CH₂F.
 67. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein B is —CH₂ZR¹⁵.
 68. The compound of claim 67wherein R¹⁵ is phenyl substituted with one or more halogen atoms. 69.The compound of claim 68 wherein R¹⁵ is 2,6-dihalophenyl.
 70. Thecompound of claim 68 wherein R¹⁵ is 2,4,6-trihalophenyl.
 71. Thecompound of claim 68 wherein R¹⁵ is 2,3,5,6-tetrahalophenyl.
 72. Thecompound of claim 67 wherein R¹⁵ is phenyl substituted with one or morefluorine atoms.
 73. The compound of claim 72 wherein R¹⁵ is2,6-difluorophenyl.
 74. The compound of claim 72 wherein R¹⁵ is2,4,6-trifluorophenyl.
 75. The compound of claim 72 wherein R¹⁵ is2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl.
 76. The compound of claim 1 wherein B isCH₂OPOR¹⁶R¹⁷.
 77. The compound of claim 76 wherein R¹⁶ is methyl. 78.The compound of claim 76 wherein R¹⁶ is phenyl.
 79. The compound ofclaim 76 wherein R¹⁷ is phenyl.
 80. The compound of claim 1 wherein R³methyl.
 81. The compound of claim 1 wherein R³ is ethyl.
 82. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R³ is isopropyl.
 83. The compound of claim 1wherein R³ is isobutyl.
 84. The compound of claim 1 wherein R³ istert-butyl.
 85. A composition comprising a compound of claim 1 incombination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 86. The compoundof claim 1 wherein the compound is:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Benzylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Benzyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-Chloro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Anthryl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Phenethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-n-Heptylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid; (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-1-NaphthylOxamyl)-Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Adamantanyl)Oxamyl)-Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-Fluorophenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Methoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(N″-N″′-Diphenylamino)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-Pyridinyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Pyrazinyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)-Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Benzhydryl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(3-Phenoxylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Pyridinyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-4-Pyridinyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Iodophenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,6-Difluorophenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,5-Di-tert-Butylphenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5-Indanyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Methyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(n-Heptyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(tert-Octyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Cyclohexyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5-Phenyl-3-Pyrazolyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorophenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,3,4,6-Tetrafluorophenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenyl)OxamylValinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Benzimidazolyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,6′-Difluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,4′,6′-Trifluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(Diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(I-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(Methylphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid; or(3RS)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 87. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Phenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)-Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Benzylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(3-Phenoxylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-Phenylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Benzhydryl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′-Fluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′-Fluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenyphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(Diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid; or(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(Diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 88. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-(2′,4′,6′-Trifluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)tert-Butyl)Glycinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Norleucinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)(tert-Butyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-(Methylphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Fluoro-4-OxopentanoicAcid; or(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-5-Diphenylphosphinyloxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 89. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is:(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Adamantanyl)Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid; (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Phenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Benzyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(Phenethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-Chloro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid;(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid; (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Napthylmethyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid; or (3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Leucinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid.
 90. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Fluoro-4-Iodophenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 91. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Chlorophenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 92. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Bromophenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 93. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Fluorophenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 94. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Trifluoromethylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 95. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Anthryl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 96. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 97. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Trifluoromethylphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 98. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2,6-Difluorophenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 99. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(1-Naphthyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 100. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(4-Methoxyphenyl)Oxamyl)Alaninyl]Amino-5-(2′,3′,5′,6′-Tetrafluorophenoxy)-4-OxopentanoicAcid.
 101. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Trifluoromethylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-OxobutanoicAcid.
 102. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-tert-Butylmethylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4--OxobutanoicAcid.
 103. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Benzylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid.104. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is(3S)-3-[N-(N′-(2-Phenylphenyl)Oxamyl)Valinyl]Amino-4-Oxobutanoic Acid.